Photo via Yahoo Sports

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faces backlash from players and critics

WNBA leader Cathy Engelbert has announced her retirement plans for late 2026 following over seven years at the helm. Her tenure has featured significant financial expansion alongside intense friction with athletes over officiating standards, compensation levels, and physical play safety.

Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier voiced sharp public reproaches regarding league administration in late 2025. Additional tension arose when Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas faced online threats and criticized front office safeguarding procedures after a suspension stemming from physical contact with Caitlin Clark.

Coaches including Cheryl Reeve also pressed officials for greater consistency across matchups.

Up nextWNBA· 58m ago

Fever players speak out about fan criticism