Who should be the next WNBA commissioner? Potential candidates to replace Cathy Engelbert
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Cathy Engelbert, the first WNBA commissioner since 2019, announced she will retire at the end of 2026 after overseeing significant league growth, including an 11-year, $3.1 billion TV deal and expansion from 12 to 18 teams by 2030.
- The next commissioner will need to prioritize repairing relations with players and continue capitalizing on the league's rapid growth, especially with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approaching.
- Leading candidates include former WNBA star Swin Cash, current WNBA operations head Bethany Donaphin, and Jordan Brand president Sarah Mensah, all bringing strong leadership and relevant experience.
- Other potential candidates are NFL executive Renie Anderson, NBA global business development president Amy Brooks, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike (who has declined immediate consideration), former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Golden State Valkyries president Jess Smith.
- The WNBA has historically appointed female commissioners with strong executive backgrounds, and the league is expected to continue this trend in selecting Engelbert’s successor.
