Who is wnba commissioner

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The current WNBA Commissioner is Cathy Engelbert, who began her tenure on July 17, 2019. She is the first full-time commissioner in league history, succeeding interim leader Lisa Borders.

Key Facts

Engelbert was appointed on July 17, 2019, as the first full-time WNBA Commissioner
Prior to her role, she served as CEO of Deloitte for 14 years
Average WNBA attendance rose from 7,653 in 2019 to 10,567 in 2023 under her leadership
Signed a $200 million media rights deal with ESPN, ABC, and Disney in 2022
Launched the 'Take the Torch' campaign in 2021 to boost visibility and fan engagement

Overview

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is led by its Commissioner, the top executive responsible for guiding the league's strategic direction, business operations, and public presence. Since 2019, this role has been held by Cathy Engelbert, a former corporate leader with deep experience in management and growth strategy.

Engelbert's appointment marked a turning point for the league, as she became the first full-time commissioner in WNBA history. Her leadership has focused on expanding viewership, increasing player salaries, and improving team profitability through new sponsorships and media partnerships.

Term Start: Cathy Engelbert officially began her role as Commissioner on July 17, 2019, following a unanimous vote by the league's Board of Governors.
Predecessor: She succeeded Lisa Borders, who served as interim president during a transitional period after the departure of previous leadership.
Background: Before joining the WNBA, Engelbert spent 28 years at Deloitte, where she became the first female CEO of a major U.S. professional services firm.
Compensation: Her annual salary was reported at $500,000, aligning with top sports executives but below NBA commissioner earnings.
Headquarters: The Commissioner operates from the WNBA’s New York City office, coordinating with team owners, the NBA, and broadcast partners.

How It Works

The Commissioner serves as the chief executive officer of the WNBA, overseeing league operations, labor relations, marketing, and long-term growth strategies. The role is appointed by the Board of Governors and typically spans several years with performance reviews.

Term: Engelbert signed a five-year contract beginning in 2019, with options for extension based on performance benchmarks and league growth. The role does not have a fixed term limit.
Authority: The Commissioner has final say on disciplinary actions, rule changes, expansion decisions, and major business agreements, including media rights and sponsorship deals.
Reporting Structure: She reports directly to the WNBA Board of Governors, composed of NBA team owners who also own WNBA franchises, ensuring alignment with the NBA’s broader strategy.
Decision-Making: Key decisions, such as expansion to Portland in 2026, are made in consultation with owners but require the Commissioner’s approval and implementation.
Public Role: Engelbert regularly appears in press conferences, media interviews, and league events to promote the WNBA and advocate for gender equity in sports.
Player Relations: She works closely with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to negotiate collective bargaining agreements and improve player benefits.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the WNBA Commissioner compares to leaders in other major sports leagues:

League	Commissioner	Start Year	Annual Salary	Notable Achievement
WNBA	Cathy Engelbert	2019	$500,000	Secured $200M media deal
NBA	Adam Silver	2014	$12 million	Expanded global reach
NFL	Roger Goodell	2006	$45 million	Grew TV ratings
MLB	Rob Manfred	2015	$7 million	Implemented pace-of-play rules
NHL	Gary Bettman	1993	$7 million	Expanded to 32 teams

While Engelbert’s compensation is significantly lower than her male counterparts, her impact has been substantial. Under her leadership, the WNBA signed a landmark seven-year, $200 million media rights deal in 2022, the largest in league history. This deal ensures games will air on ESPN, ABC, and Disney+, increasing national exposure.

Why It Matters

The role of Commissioner is crucial to the WNBA’s long-term sustainability and cultural influence. Engelbert’s leadership has helped elevate the league’s profile during a period of rapid growth in women’s sports.

Attendance increased by 38% from 2019 to 2023, reaching an average of over 10,500 fans per game.
She led negotiations for the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which raised the minimum salary to $57,000.
Engelbert launched the 'Take the Torch' campaign to connect WNBA stars with younger generations of athletes.
Under her watch, the league added two expansion teams: Golden State Valkyries (2025) and Portland (2026).
She advocated for equal access to facilities, pushing teams to upgrade practice and travel conditions.
Engelbert partnered with U.S. Soccer and the NCAA to promote cross-sport collaboration and shared marketing initiatives.

As the WNBA continues to grow, Engelbert’s role as Commissioner remains pivotal in shaping its future. Her business acumen and commitment to equity are helping transform the league into a more visible and financially viable entity.