Cathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA Commissioner after a surprise seven-year tenure—far beyond her original three-and-a-half-year plan—and leaving behind a league transformed by her leadership. She oversaw historic wins: finalizing the first collective bargaining agreement, securing a $2.2 billion media rights deal, launching million-dollar contracts, and expanding to 18 teams by 2030. Her pandemic-era “Wubble” saved the 2020 season, but her time also included missteps like undervaluing the league in a 2022 stake sale now seen as a bargain, and criticism from players over silence on harassment and officiating. Voices like Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier highlighted leadership gaps and player alienation during labor talks. Engelbert says it’s time for fresh leadership to carry the WNBA forward, emphasizing the need to listen to players and honor the league’s core values as it enters its next chapter. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/26c37988a5d9e017

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