WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire at end of calendar year, ending controversial tenure
Key Points:
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement at the end of the year after serving seven years as the league's first-ever commissioner.
- Under Engelbert's leadership, the WNBA expanded from 12 to 18 teams and saw significant growth in viewership, digital engagement, game attendance, and revenue.
- Engelbert introduced key initiatives such as the in-season Commissioner's Cup tournament and expanded the regular season schedule to a record 50 games by 2027.
- Despite criticism over marketing league superstars like Caitlin Clark, Engelbert is credited with overseeing the league's most significant period of growth in its 30-year history.
- The WNBA and NBA have yet to announce Engelbert's successor, as she retires with optimism for the league's future.