Cathy Engelbert faces criticism despite WNBA's successful growth
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 9:16 AM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert experienced boos during the post-game ceremony after the New York Liberty's victory over the Las Vegas Aces in an in-season tournament held at Barclays Center. Engelbert's reception has soured over the past year, with fans expressing frustrations related to player compensation and leadership issues. Despite overseeing the WNBA's most profitable era, including a $3 billion media rights deal and league expansion plans, dissatisfaction with her communication and governance style persists among players and stakeholders. As the WNBA approaches its All-Star weekend in Chicago, Engelbert's future remains uncertain amid ongoing scrutiny from league officials and the public.
- •Liberty beat Aces in in-season tournament at Barclays Center
- •Engelbert's leadership criticized over player communication
- •WNBA seeks to expand from 15 to 18 teams by 2030
- •Media rights deal increased from $2.2 billion to $3 billion
- 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — The WNBA’s business is thriving. So why can’t Cathy Engelbert escape criticism?
"NEW YORK — The boos were deafening. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was at center court inside Barclays Center. The New York Liberty had just beaten the Las Vegas Aces in the in-season tournament named after her job title, and as she took the mic to congratulate the team and announce the MVP, her voice was drowned out almost entirely. It wasn’t the first time Engelbert was greeted with this level of public disdain. Over the last 12 months, the reception Engelbert has received has grown increas
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