WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire at Year’s End as Search Begins

Minot Bismarck Dickinson, ND, October 17, 2026 —

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is retiring at the end of the year, and a search firm has been engaged to vet candidates for the position, according to the information provided. The search marks the start of a process to identify her replacement.

The timing leaves the league facing a leadership transition at year’s end. The summary does not specify which year is meant, when the search firm was hired, or how long the vetting process is expected to take.

Several details about the succession process were not provided. The firm’s name, the number of candidates under consideration and the criteria it will use to assess candidates are unknown. No potential replacements were identified, and no information was given about when the WNBA expects to announce a selection.

The information also does not explain Engelbert’s reasons for retiring or describe any next steps for her after she leaves the role. It provides no further details about the timing or arrangements for the transition.

For now, the reported developments are limited to Engelbert’s planned retirement at the end of the year and the engagement of a search firm to vet candidates. Further information about the candidates, the firm’s work and the appointment timeline was not included.

Story summarized from the original created by DOUG FEINBERG, Associated Press on www.kxnet.com, see more information here.

Media gallery