Cathy Engelbert: Next WNBA Commissioner Will Need ‘Thick Skin’
The next leader of the WNBA will “have to have very thick skin,” according to outgoing commissioner Cathy Engelbert, speaking Saturday in what is expected to be her final press conference before her retirement at the end of the year. Engelbert reflected on her seven-year tenure ahead of the first game of the 2026 WNBA […]
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has offered advice to her successor, emphasizing the need to continue the league's growth and expand its global footprint. Engelbert, who announced her retirement in early September, stated that teams are still experiencing hyper growth and require support in their objectives. The next commissioner will also need to integrate technological enhancements, with the centralized replay center scheduled to become operational next season.
Despite the league's significant expansion under Engelbert's leadership, including a media-rights deal worth over $3 billion and a transformative collective bargaining agreement, her tenure has faced criticism, particularly regarding the league culture and players' struggles to build relationships with her. The next commissioner must continue to focus on player safety and possess strong interpersonal skills to navigate the multi-dimensional role.
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- Engelbert: Next WNBA Commissioner Must Build on League’s Growth frontofficesports.com
