NBA commissioner Adam Silver declined to say whether Cathy Engelbert would remain as WNBA commissioner beyond 2026, calling her tenure a success while sidestepping questions about her job security.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for the job she's done, but it's unclear how long she'll remain in the role as the WNBA's 2026 season nears, following lengthy collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
"We haven't had those discussions yet with the WNBA board," Silver said following the NBA's Board of Governors meeting. "I would only say Cathy has done a fantastic job since she's come to the WNBA. Obviously, you could see [that] in the results."
As it stands, Silver admits he hasn't talked to Engelbert about her plans.
"I haven't had those discussions recently with Cathy even in terms of her future plans and how long she wants to do this," he said.
After serving as CEO of Deloitte, Engelbert was appointed the WNBA's first-ever commissioner. During her tenure, she's overseen multiple CBA negotiations, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a boom period as fan favorites like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers have entered the professional level.
The newly ratified CBA — which Engelbert helped shepherd through eight days of marathon bargaining sessions earlier this month — ties player salaries to league revenue for the first time, and includes improved benefits, retirement contributions, and baseline facility standards for all teams.
Still, Engelbert's future remains uncertain. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier publicly criticized the league's leadership following last season, calling it the "worst leadership in the world" and saying that accountability at the top was the league's biggest problem.
The 2022 decision to sell a 16% stake in the league for $75 million has also drawn scrutiny, given how dramatically franchise valuations and viewership have climbed since. At the time, the deal reportedly valued the WNBA at nearly $1 billion, but some follow-up information put it more at $475 million.
Silver stopped short of any commitment Wednesday, saying only that ownership is satisfied with where things stand.
"I am very happy, I know ownership is very happy with where things stand in the WNBA," he said.
In the past, there has been speculation regarding how much longer Engelbert will want to remain in her role. However, there has yet to be a firm indication of any plans to shift away.
The WNBA has secured numerous landmark broadcast rights deals that have propelled the league into a new era. Players received revenue share payouts for the first time in league history. Financially, business is booming.