Cathy Engelbert’s WNBA retirement decision draws Adam Silver statement

As the future of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been questioned many times recently, Friday’s announcement confirms that her run is coming to an end soon. With Engelbert retiring at the end of the 2026 season, NBA commissioner Adam Silver took notice with a statement released on Friday morning.

A statement was released by the WNBA about Engelbert’s retirement, with Silver providing a comment on the big news, saying that she has been involved in the league’s “most significant period of growth” in the 30 years it’s been around.

“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” Silver said in the statement released on Friday. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”

There’s no denying the increasing popularity that the WNBA has had under Engelbert, though she has been heavily criticized in the past by the sports world and players alike for delaying the increase in compensation, mishandling of player safety, etc.

Cathy Engelbert speaks on retiring from the WNBA

With the criticism she has received, it has led to people wondering if Engelbert would retire as WNBA commissioner, and with the news announced on Friday, a new era for the league is incoming. Engelbert had a statement as well, saying she has decided to retire after seven seasons with the WNBA, expressing the “tremendous optimism” she has for the future of the league.

“Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports,” Engelbert wrote.

“I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined,” Engelbert continued. “I am grateful to the WNBA and NBA team owners and staff, players, investors, fans, and the powerhouse league office staff, who believed in what this league could become, I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen who is chosen to be the next WNBA commissioner next season.

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