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WNBA's Cathy Engelbert says a search firm is vetting candidates to replace her

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that the league is actively pursuing her successor, with a specialized search firm now leading the candidate evaluation process. Engelbert, who announced her retirement at year’s end, highlighted the strong interest in the role, noting that many qualified individuals have already expressed interest.

She emphasized the demanding nature of the position, requiring resilience, confidence in sustaining the league’s growth, and the ability to navigate complex relationships with players, agents, and stakeholders. Engelbert’s tenure has seen historic expansion, including record TV viewership—51 broadcasts this season drew over one million viewers each, up from just 19 last year—and a surge in attendance, with 3.8 million fans attending games, the highest total in league history.

The WNBA also secured its first million-dollar player salaries through a landmark collective bargaining agreement earlier this year, though her leadership has faced challenges, including controversies over officiating, transgender debates, and heightened social media backlash against players. Engelbert addressed these issues indirectly, reaffirming the league’s commitment to protecting players from online harassment and enhancing their physical security during travel and events.

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