WNBA Chief Eyes Successor Before Year's End

The search for a new WNBA commissioner is progressing, with outgoing leader Cathy Engelbert expressing optimism that a successor will be identified by the close of 2026. Engelbert indicated she would continue in her role until a replacement is found if the selection process extends past her planned departure on December 31, 2026. The league's future leadership will require resilience and confidence to guide sustained growth. The WNBA has recently expanded to 15 teams as of the 2026 season, with plans for further expansion into Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in the coming years. This period of growth under Engelbert's seven-year tenure has also included a significant media rights deal and increased player salaries.

Engelbert, who transitioned to the WNBA in 2019 after a long career at Deloitte, has overseen substantial advancements in team valuations, television ratings, and player compensation. The league has strategically added new franchises, with three more set to join by 2030, alongside a $3.1 billion media rights agreement. Engelbert has been involved in the succession planning for approximately three and a half years, receiving updates from the executive search firm, Excel Search & Advisory, which is managing the candidate interviews. She mentioned that both internal and external candidates are being considered, reflecting significant interest in the position.