Report: Cathy Engelbert 'likely to exit' as WNBA commissioner after CBA talks

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is “likely to exit” her role following collective bargaining talks, Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend reported. She is facing pressure from both the NBA and WNBA, according to SBJ.

The SBJ report came hours after Engelbert faced strong criticism from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, and the publication cited sources who spoke “well before” her remarks. Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Collier gave a more than four-minute long statement about the state of the league and criticized Engelbert’s leadership. The star forward also shared conversations about Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers.

Speaking with SBJ, a WNBA spokesperson denied publication’s sources’ comments about Engelbert’s potential exit. She joined the W in 2019 after previously working for Deloitte, where she served as CEO from 2015-19.

Since taking over, Engelbert took on a key role in the WNBA’s 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal. Additionally, revenue is up around the league, as is TV viewership – fueled in part by Clark, Reese and Bueckers’ star power.

The WNBA’s CBA talks have been a major storyline as the deal prepares to expire in October. During All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, players wore shirts that read, “Pay us what you owe us,” and negotiations have reportedly been contentious.

More on Napheesa Collier’s comments

The criticism continues to mount around Engelbert, as well. Collier ripped the commissioner and league office, particularly detailing a conversation that took place in February. At Unrivaled – the league founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart – Collier said she spoke with Engelbert about the officiating in the WNBA, which is also receiving strong criticism. She said Engelbert dismissed the comments.

Later, she brought up the uptick in revenue brought about by Clark, Reese and Bueckers. All three developed strong followings at the college level and have been at the forefront of the WNBA’s revenue growth. Collier said Engelbert pointed to the platform the WNBA gives them, specifically Clark.

“This past February, I sat across from Cathy and asked how she planned to address the officiating issues in our league. Her response was, ‘Well, only the losers complain about the refs,’” Collier said.

“I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years. Her response was Caitlin should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court because, without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything. And, in that conversation, she told me players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”

After Collier’s comments went viral, Cathy Engelbert released a statement. She expressed her disappointment with the remarks, but said she welcomes differing viewpoints.

“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” Engelbert said. “Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”