New York (AFP) – Cathy Engelbert, whose seven years as Women’s NBA commissioner included hammering out a deal with the players union last March, will retire after the 2026 season, she announced on Friday. Engelbert took charge in May 2019 as the first WNBA commissioner, with the 12-team league averaging 1.3 million in attendance and clubs valued at about $10 million.
She oversaw changes on the business side of the league, including $3.1 billion in media rights deals, teams playing a record 50 games each, and 15 league clubs with planned expansion to 18 clubs by 2030, with teams worth about $460 million. “After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA commissioner,” Engelbert said in a statement.
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“Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.” The media rights deals led to a historic boost in player salaries and benefits, but some players have been critical of leadership over such issues as harassment of players and officiating quality. “Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “We’re grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”
The announcement came with the WNBA on a season break for the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany, with the league playoffs due to conclude next month. “We have built something bigger, stronger, and more enduring than we could have imagined,” Engelbert said. “I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come.”
© 2024 AFP
