Cheryl Reeve rules out WNBA commissioner position after Engelbert's retirement
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 11:10 AM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
Cheryl Reeve, coach of the Minnesota Lynx, has decided not to pursue the WNBA commissioner role following Cathy Engelbert's announcement of her retirement at the end of 2026. During a practice press conference on September 15, Reeve described the commissioner job as 'thankless' and 'hard'. Engelbert's tenure began in 2019, making her the first person to hold the title of commissioner after previously being known as president. The WNBA plans to begin the search for a replacement soon, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver overseeing the process. Reeve emphasized that the next commissioner must navigate complex relationships within the league and embody a collaborative spirit.
- •Reeve ruled out interest in succeeding Engelbert as commissioner.
- •Engelbert will retire at the end of 2026 after her first term.
- •The WNBA plans to start the search for her replacement this month.
- •Reeve highlighted the need for collaboration within the league.
- •The Lynx have four games remaining in the regular season.
- 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — ‘You can’t just be one thing’ – Cheryl Reeve sets high bar for next WNBA commissioner
- 4:10 AMYahoo Sports — Cheryl Reeve Rules Out WNBA Commissioner Job After Cathy Engelbert Exit
"Cheryl Reeve is applying pressure on the WNBA to get the right appointment in Cathy Engelbert’s place. Cathy Engelbert is set to retire as WNBA commissioner at the end of the year, though she’s expected to remain in place if a successor isn’t locked in immediately.
"Cheryl Reeve ruled herself out as a candidate to replace Cathy Engelbert and explained what she believes the WNBA needs from its next commissioner.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 11:10 AM‘You can’t just be one thing’ – Cheryl Reeve sets high bar for next WNBA commissioner
Cheryl Reeve is applying pressure on the WNBA to get the right appointment in Cathy Engelbert’s place. Cathy Engelbert is set to retire as WNBA commissioner at the end of the year, though she’s expected to remain in place if a successor isn’t locked in immediately.
- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 4:10 AMCheryl Reeve Rules Out WNBA Commissioner Job After Cathy Engelbert Exit
Cheryl Reeve ruled herself out as a candidate to replace Cathy Engelbert and explained what she believes the WNBA needs from its next commissioner.
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