WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's Future Uncertain

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noncommittal on Engelbert's long-term status as WNBA leader

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:49pm

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During the NBA's Board of Governors meeting, Commissioner Adam Silver praised the job Cathy Engelbert has done as WNBA Commissioner over the past 6 1/2 years, but was noncommittal about her long-term future in the role. Silver said the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement was a 'fair outcome', but noted he has not had discussions yet with the WNBA board about Engelbert's future beyond the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Engelbert's leadership of the WNBA has been scrutinized, with Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier publicly criticizing the 'lack of accountability from the league office' and calling the WNBA's leadership 'the worst in the world'. The uncertainty around Engelbert's future comes as the league navigates financial challenges, including the controversial decision to sell a 16% stake for $75 million in 2022.

The details

During the NBA's Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Adam Silver praised the job Cathy Engelbert has done as WNBA Commissioner since taking over the role in 2019. However, Silver was noncommittal about Engelbert's long-term future, stating that discussions about her future beyond the 2026 season have not yet occurred with the WNBA board. Silver noted that the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement was a 'fair outcome' and that he has spoken directly with many players who were pleased with the results.

  • Cathy Engelbert became WNBA Commissioner in 2019.
  • The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement was reached in 2026.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who oversees the WNBA.

Cathy Engelbert

The current WNBA Commissioner, who has held the role since 2019.

Napheesa Collier

A Minnesota Lynx player who publicly criticized the WNBA's leadership under Engelbert.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't had those discussions yet with the WNBA board. I would only say Cathy has done a fantastic job since she's come to the WNBA. Obviously, you could see (that) in the results.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

“People were very pleased with where we came out on the WNBA side. I've talked to many players directly, read the reports coming out of collective bargaining. I'm really pleased that both sides feel that it's a fair outcome.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

“The lack of accountability from the league office is a real threat to the league. The WNBA has the worst leadership in the world.”

— Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx Player

What’s next

The WNBA board is expected to discuss Cathy Engelbert's future as commissioner in the coming months, ahead of the expiration of her current contract in 2026.

The takeaway

Cathy Engelbert's tenure as WNBA Commissioner has been marked by both praise and criticism, with the league's financial challenges and leadership under her watch coming under scrutiny. The uncertainty around her long-term future highlights the need for strong, accountable leadership to guide the WNBA through its next phase of growth and development.