Madeline Kenney WNBA’s next commissioner will have to check a lot of boxes — before the critical work begins By Madeline Kenney Published Sep. 4, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to media prior to Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Michelle Farsi/New York Post WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is calling it quits after 7 ½ years.
On Friday, the league announced her plans to retire at the end of the calendar year.
There isn’t a clear successor for Engelbert, though The IX Sports reported she’s been working on preparing the league for what’s next for three years.
Engelbert has already reportedly submitted a list of internal and external candidates to WNBA owners but her boss, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, will have the final say.
