With Cathy Engelbert stepping down as WNBA Commissioner, she has some advice for her successor that they may want to keep in mind.
The WNBA has grown exponentially since 2024, the league is currently going through an incredible period of transition. More people are watching than ever before, the numbers continue to grow at a rapid rate, and the future is even brighter with young superstars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
But more eyeballs bring more scrutiny, nothing is ever that simple. No one knows that better than WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. During her seven years in charge, and especially the last couple, she has been tasked with challenge after challenge. She has failed sometimes in the eyes of a few, but her experience and insight into the process is second to none.
Cathy Engelbert warns next commissioner they need to have a ‘thick skin’ and a lot of confidence
2026 has been a volatile year for the W. Even as they reach unprecedented heights, the league’s hierarchy has had to deal with working out a new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) and handle the highly controversial debate surrounding trans athletes.
Engelbert has been at the receiving end of hate from lots of fans and analysts alike, which may inform some of the advice she is passing on to her successor.
“The good news is there’s people who really want to take on this role, which I think is great. It’s a multidimensional role. You have to have very thick skin,” Engelbert said during her final press conference as the top boss of the WNBA.
“You have to have confidence that we can continue this growth trajectory and confidence in building relationships with players and agents and the Board of Governors, the owners and the stakeholders.”
It is an exciting opportunity for the person that takes up the role. But in such a delicate period when it comes to growth and transition, they will need to have conviction, vision, and fortitude to keep it going. Engelbert’s words will come in handy whenever they arrive at the next big crossroads moment for the league.
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