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WNBA Analyst Explains the Caitlin Clark Connection Behind Search for Cathy Engelbert’s Replacement

The WNBA’s search for Cathy Engelbert’s successor has taken a notable turn with the league’s decision to partner with Excel Search & Advisory, a firm with deep ties to women’s basketball. While Excel’s player management division represents high-profile stars like Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, and Arike Ogunbowale, WNBA analyst Annie Costabile clarified that the connection does not influence the hiring process.

Instead, the league prioritized Excel’s extensive experience in women’s sports, including past work with teams like the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, and Dallas Wings, as well as commercial partnerships such as the Dream’s collaboration with Cash App. The firm’s background also extends beyond basketball, with a track record in soccer and partnerships with organizations like the Houston Texans and Detroit Pistons, reinforcing its credibility in professional sports leadership roles.

A memo obtained by Costabile further revealed the WNBA’s intent to engage a firm with a proven commitment to women’s sports, signaling a strategic focus on continuity and expertise in the league’s evolving landscape.

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