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‘(Cathy Engelbert) Deserves Her Flowers’ – Breanna Stewart Hails Outgoing WNBA Commissioner Despite Turbulent Stint

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart has offered a rare public defense of outgoing WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, highlighting her role in securing a landmark collective bargaining agreement that dramatically reshaped player compensation. Engelbert’s seven-year tenure has been marked by controversy, including criticism from players like Napheesa Collier, but Stewart emphasized the commissioner’s efforts in raising the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million and projecting an average salary of $583,000 for 2026—nearly five times the 2025 figure.

Minimum salaries for full-season contracts will also jump to between $270,000 and $300,000, up from a league-low $66,079, allowing players to sustain themselves without relying on international play. Despite the WNBA’s ongoing challenges, Stewart acknowledged Engelbert’s contributions in growing the league, calling for recognition of her achievements amid the turbulence of her departure later this year.

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