WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert faces challenges in her role
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
Cathy Engelbert is navigating a challenging tenure as WNBA commissioner, with ongoing criticism from players despite her success in enhancing the league's financial standing and popularity. Stakeholders have suggested the appointment of a co-commissioner focused on player relations to address growing tensions. Engelbert's achievements include significant financial growth for the league, yet her relationship with stakeholders remains strained. Proposed changes aim to improve communication and address player concerns more effectively.
- •Cathy Engelbert criticized by players during her tenure as WNBA commissioner
- •Engelbert has improved the league's financial health and popularity
- •Stakeholders suggest adding a co-commissioner for player relations
- •Challenges highlight the complexities of the commissioner role
- 12:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has a hard job. Here's how to make it easier | Jordan Robinson
"Engelbert helped vault the league to new financial heights, but still draws the ire of stakeholders. A co-commissioner for player relations would be a welcome add Sign up to get the WNBA 30 newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday Being the WNBA’s commissioner may be one of the most unwanted jobs in the world right now. That’s in no small part because Cathy Engelbert, the person who holds that title, makes it look like a rough ride. She has helped usher the league into new financial heights and unprecedented popularity, but her players continue to bash her in the public sphere. The job is not an easy one, and by many measures Engelbert has done it well, but today I want to talk about what I would do in her shoes. That means starting with how we got here. Continue reading...
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