Stephen A. Smith, a prominent sports commentator, did not hold back in his assessment of Cathy Engelbert's career following her announcement of retirement from her role as WNBA Commissioner, effective at the end of the 2026 season. Engelbert, who is set to turn 62 in November, revealed to The Associated Press that she has been contemplating her departure for several months.
In a phone interview, Engelbert reflected on her tenure, stating, "When I first came to the league I intended to do this for 3 1/2 years. The 7 1/2 years exceeded that time. This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we’ve been on. Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done." Her leadership has been marked by significant milestones, including the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement that has been pivotal for the league.
Smith shared his perspective on Engelbert's decision during his appearance on ESPN’s First Take. He expressed relief at her retirement, suggesting it comes at a crucial time as the WNBA prepares for a new era of leadership. He remarked, "About time. Took her long enough. They’ve been wanting her gone. Wishing nothing but the best, she helped negotiate the latest collective bargaining agreement. Kudos to her." However, he also referenced criticisms from players, specifically citing Napheesa Collier's past comments regarding the league's leadership, which have been described as negligent by many.
Smith continued, stating, "I thought [Engelbert] was ill-equipped to handle the oncoming microscope that the WNBA obviously had developed, and I think that they do need new leadership. So it’s good that she’s retiring. Everything she did isn’t bad. There’s no denying that she did some good things, but clearly cultivating relationships with players along with league officials is not something that she’s reportedly done a good job of." This acknowledgment of Engelbert's mixed legacy highlights the challenges she faced in her role.
Looking ahead, Engelbert mentioned that she has been working on a succession plan for the league, though she did not provide specific details. She indicated that both internal and external candidates are being considered to take over her position. Engelbert stated, "It’s a good time to hand it off to the next leader to take the ‘W’ into a better phase. I’m proud of the team we built and everything we accomplished. A leader knows when it’s time to drop the mic and move on after building a powerhouse team in the league office."
The WNBA has certainly attracted increased scrutiny as it continues to grow in popularity, bolstered by its star players. The next commissioner will need to navigate the complexities of the league, ensuring it continues to thrive while addressing any controversies that may arise. As Engelbert steps down, the focus now shifts to finding a successor who can lead the WNBA into its next chapter.
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