WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says she will leave her role at the end of 2026 and uses her final press appearances to advise her successor. Across outlets, Engelbert emphasizes that the next commissioner will need confidence, strong people skills, and what she calls “thick skin” as the league continues to change and expand.
Engelbert reflects on her seven-year tenure, noting that the WNBA grows and that player-related outcomes, including improved salaries, have advanced in recent years. At the same time, multiple reports highlight that challenges around leadership and managing relationships with players remain central issues for whoever takes over. Several outlets frame her comments as guidance for navigating scrutiny and maintaining momentum during a period of transition, including ahead of the league’s 2026 schedule.
