WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announces retirement amid trans athlete debate

This story originally appeared on Them.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is stepping down, the league announced on Friday.

“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” Engelbert wrote in a press release, adding, “Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.”

Engelbert is the first official commissioner of the league, with previous leaders having held the title “president.” Under her tenure, which began in June 2019, the league has seen a significant rise in viewership — and an expansion from 12 to 15 teams, with three additional squads due to join by 2030.

During Engelbert’s time at the head of the W, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) negotiated two separate collective bargaining agreements, most recently securing large salary cap increases in the 2026 CBA.

“I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined,” Engelbert wrote in the press release.

ESPN reports that her retirement will be effective on December 31. WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart, a forward for the New York Liberty, praised Engelbert in remarks to the sports outlet. “What she’s done for the league is incredible,” she said. “Obviously, the CBA negotiation was a tough one, but the way that both sides continue to have a huge win is really important. So really happy for her and hope that she continues to remember that and reflect on that.”

The WNBA’s statement makes no mention of the anti-trans attacks on the WNBA that have dominated right-wing airwaves in the weeks since Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham made remarks opposing trans athletes in a July interview.

The uproar around Cunningham’s comments — which referred to trans women as “biological men” — has led to virtually, round-the-clock coverage of the WNBA in conservative media outlets. Most notably, two ex-NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, announced their intent to declare for the WNBA draft in August, prompting the league to meet to review its current eligibility policy, which currently states, “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

Both Freedom and White were reportedly ruled ineligible, with the league publicly calling their declarations “bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”

In an August 7 memo reported by the Associated Press, Engelbert addressed the situation without taking a clear position on the issue of transgender eligibility.

“We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead,” Engelbert wrote. “We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”

As of this writing, the player eligibility policy remains unchanged.

This story is developing.

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