WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire at Season’s End

Engelbert oversaw unprecedented growth, but has been criticized for her handling of the outward-facing elements of the job.

Cathy Engelbert

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. John Locher/AP Photo

The questions surrounding Cathy Engelbert’s future have been answered.

The WNBA commissioner will retire at the end of the season, she said Friday in a statement. The 61-year-old New Jersey native has been in the role for seven years.

“Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports,” Engelbert said. “I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined. 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.”