WNBA's Cathy Engelbert faces scrutiny over player relationships amid growth
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 12:22 PM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA's commissioner since 2019, is under scrutiny during All-Star Weekend in Chicago. While the league has achieved significant growth, culminating in a landmark CBA that increased player salaries by nearly 400%, players are voicing concerns about their relationship with Engelbert. Past tensions resurfaced, highlighted by player statements about feeling overlooked. As discussions about Engelbert's future at the helm grow, players stress the importance of communication and support from leadership.
- •WNBA All-Star Weekend highlights league's substantial growth.
- •Engelbert's leadership has raised the league's financial stakes significantly.
- •Player dissatisfaction with Engelbert's communication persists.
- •Concerns about Engelbert's future as commissioner are escalating.
- •Players demand acknowledgment and support from WNBA leadership.
- 6:34 AMYahoo Sports — At a less contentious All-Star, WNBA players and Cathy Engelbert look to get on the same page
- 2:31 AMYahoo Sports — Cathy Engelbert admits ‘we have to be better’ at communicating with WNBA players
- 1:16 AMCBS Sports — WNBA All-Star Game: Commissioner Cathy Engelbert evasive about future with league amid string of controversies
- 12:22 PMCBS Sports — Cathy Engelbert helped the WNBA capitalize on growth, but now her relationship with players is holding it back
"CHICAGO — WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was prepared as she took the podium for her annual press conference ahead of the All-Star game. She emphasized the league’s historic growth, announced a replay center will be available next season and addressed the concerns over player safety amid their testimonies of online abuse and harassment. But when it came to her future as commissioner, she was indirect. “I am so blessed to be at the helm of this league during this incredible hyper growth,” Enge
"There is a clear disconnect between Engelbert and players, despite an overall thawing of tensions four months after signing a collective bargaining agreement.
"At WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, players spoke about a relationship with the commissioner that is overdue for change
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 26, 2026, 6:34 AMAt a less contentious All-Star, WNBA players and Cathy Engelbert look to get on the same page
There is a clear disconnect between Engelbert and players, despite an overall thawing of tensions four months after signing a collective bargaining agreement.
- Yahoo SportsJul 26, 2026, 2:31 AMCathy Engelbert admits ‘we have to be better’ at communicating with WNBA players
CHICAGO — WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was prepared as she took the podium for her annual press conference ahead of the All-Star game. She emphasized the league’s historic growth, announced a replay center will be available next season and addressed the concerns over player safety amid their testimonies of online abuse and harassment. But when it came to her future as commissioner, she was indirect. “I am so blessed to be at the helm of this league during this incredible hyper growth,” Enge
- CBS SportsJul 26, 2026, 1:16 AMWNBA All-Star Game: Commissioner Cathy Engelbert evasive about future with league amid string of controversies
Engelbert's job security has been a hot topic all weekend, and her answer didn't quiet the conversation
- CBS SportsJul 25, 2026, 12:22 PMCathy Engelbert helped the WNBA capitalize on growth, but now her relationship with players is holding it back
At WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, players spoke about a relationship with the commissioner that is overdue for change
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