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‘The Players Didn’t Trust the League’ — Cathy Engelbert Makes Stunning Admission About WNBA’s State When She Took Over

Outgoing WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has revealed the league faced deep distrust from players when she took over in 2019, citing systemic issues like lack of charter travel, shared hotel rooms, and poor living conditions. Under her leadership, the WNBA has since implemented full charter flights in 2024 and secured a landmark 2026 collective bargaining agreement, addressing long-standing grievances that dated back through the eras of stars like Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Maya Moore.

Engelbert’s tenure also saw record TV viewership and attendance, though her leadership drew criticism from players such as A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier, who publicly questioned her approach. The current WNBA Finals, featuring Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, marks the culmination of Engelbert’s seven-year tenure, with the league’s growth fueled in part by the 2024 draft class, including Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark.

Despite mixed reactions, Engelbert remains optimistic about the WNBA’s future, even as she prepares to step down after this season.

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