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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire at the end of 2026
Engelbert leaves after helping secure the WNBA’s first $1 million salaries and a $3.1 billion media rights deal, while facing criticism from players.
- On Friday, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced she will retire at the end of the 2026 season, concluding a seven-year tenure as the league's first commissioner.
- Appointed in 2019, Engelbert oversaw a financial transformation that boosted average WNBA franchise values from $10 million to about $460 million while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised her "unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball," though her tenure faced scrutiny over player safety and online harassment.
- Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier previously criticized Engelbert's governance as "negligent," while Engelbert insists the retirement decision is her own as the league begins a succession process.
- Engelbert will leave the WNBA on January 1 as the league expands to 18 markets by 2030 under a $3.1 billion media rights deal.
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Missoulian+32 Reposted by 32 other sources
WNBA thrived despite Cathy Engelbert. She won't be missed
Cathy Engelbert’s tenure as WNBA commissioner is marked by the league thriving despite her leadership, not because of it, with missed opportunities in expansion, player relations, and addressing hate against players.
·Missoula, United States
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Omaha World-Herald+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
WNBA commissioner to retire
Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of this year, ending her seven-year tenure as the WNBA's first commissioner.
·Omaha, United States
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Total News Sources235
Leaning Left43Leaning Right27Center112Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 24%
C 61%
15%
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