What Cathy Engelbert said about Tina Charles’ retirement from WNBA

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Tina Charles’ career and impact on the league after the veteran forward announced her retirement from the WNBA following a 14-year career.

Charles announced her retirement Tuesday, closing one of the most accomplished careers in league history. Engelbert issued a statement the same day, recognizing Charles’ achievements on and off the court, including her status as the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder.

“Tina Charles has defined excellence and consistency throughout one of the most remarkable careers in WNBA history,” Engelbert said in a statement post on X, formerly Twitter, by Alexa Philippou of ESPN. “From earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors to being named league MVP, to becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer, Tina’s impact on the game will be felt for generations to come.”

Charles leaves the league as the WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds with 4,262 and field goals with 3,364. She also ranks second in league history in points scored with 8,396, trailing only Diana Taurasi.

Her résumé also includes three Olympic gold medals, two NCAA championships and a WNBA MVP award.

Engelbert also highlighted Charles’ work away from basketball, including her Hopey’s Heart Foundation and community efforts.

“Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments, Tina has represented the very best of the WNBA throughout her career,” stated Engelbert. “Through her leadership and dedication to giving back — including her work with her Hopey’s Heart Foundation — she has made a meaningful impact far beyond the game, earning the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award twice.”

In a social media statement, Charles thanked the game for what it gave her and saying it was time to take the same standards she had on the court into the next part of her life.

She also said she hoped her career helped make the path “a little clearer and a little wider for the next generation.”

“On behalf of the WNBA, I want to thank Tina for her lasting contributions to the league and the sport of basketball,” Engelbert stated. “Her legacy will be defined not only by her excellence on the court, but by the standard she set as a leader, a teammate, and a champion for the communities she touched.”

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