WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert made sure to cover all bases with her retirement announcement.
The rift between WNBA stars and Cathy Engelbert has gotten seriously ugly.
Napheesa Collier didn’t hold back, calling out the commissioner’s lack of accountability over player safety and physical play down in the paint.
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On the other end of the spectrum, Sophie Cunningham made it clear she wants a leader who actually listens to the locker rooms instead of playing politics.
When your top players are openly calling for fresh leadership, the disconnect is impossible to ignore.
Cathy Engelbert sends heartfelt message to WNBA players
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert didn’t let the criticism from the players get in the way, as she sent a very classy message privately.
It was shared by Alexa Philippou on X.
‘WNBA Players,
‘I wanted you to hear directly from me that, after over 40 years in business, and 7 and a half years helping to lead this league through a remarkable period of transformation, I have decided to retire as Commissioner of the WNBA, effective December 31 of this year. Serving in this role has been a great privilege and an honor.
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‘When I accepted this role in 2019, I imagined it might be a brief chapter at the end of a long career in business. Instead, it became seven plus years of the most meaningful, demanding, and rewarding years of my life. There was always more work to do, another challenge to confront, and another opportunity to pursue. But more than anything else, there were extraordinary people – and none inspired or challenged me more than you, the players of this league.
‘Together, we’ve established the WNBA as a premier global sports property and built a foundation designed to support sustained growth for generations to come. Every milestone we’ve achieved – from this year’s CBA to the most valuable media rights deal in women’s sports history and the unprecedented investment, expansion, and fan engagement we’ve experienced – begins with you. Your talent, leadership, and influence have driven this growth, and I am deeply grateful to have had the privilege of supporting you and witnessing the lasting impact you have made on this league and across women’s sports.
‘I am grateful for your advocacy and your willingness to challenge us to be bold, listen more closely, and think differently. Those conversations were not always easy, but they were essential. You made this league stronger, and you made me a better leader.
‘I make this announcement with enormous pride in what we’ve accomplished together, profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead alongside you, and complete confidence that the future of the WNBA is brighter than ever.
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‘I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the playoffs and crowning one more WNBA champion together. I will run through the tape over the next four months and do everything possible to ensure a seamless transition to the next Commissioner. After that, I will always be available to support you and the league in any way I can.
‘Thank you again for your partnership, your belief, and everything you’ve given to the WNBA. I love this league, I love this sport, and I have been endlessly inspired by all of you. I will forever be among your biggest fans.
‘With immense gratitude,
‘Cathy Engelbert.’
Despite the message from Engelbert, you can’t help but feel that all the drama that has gone on in the WNBA over the past few months will have had a huge impact on her decision.
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