
10
Loading video...
By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
This past Friday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced her intentions to retire at the conclusion of the 2026 calendar year.
The league will begin its search for a new commissioner sometime later this month, according to a report from ESPN. Engelbert told the Associated Press that she's already submitted a list of candidates to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who's responsible for making the new hire.
Read More on NBA
ESPN reporters Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel recently reported several names as potential replacements for Engelbert in 2027:
- Swin Cash — Hall of Famer with WNBA and NBA front-office experience (New York Liberty, New Orleans Pelicans)
- Keia Clark — Long-time executive and current CEO of the New York Liberty
- Bethany Donaphin — Current head of WNBA operations
- Tanya Hvizdak — Nike's vice president of global sports marketing
- Nneka Ogwumike — Forward for the Los Angeles Sparks and president of the WNBA Players Association for 10 years. Retiring at the end of the 2026 season.
- Jess Smith — Golden State Valkyries team president
- Mark Tatum — NBA deputy commissioner/COO, former WNBA interim president

...
Engelbert's successor will be the seventh head of the WNBA. Engelbert was the first to hold the title of commissioner, as previous leaders were referred to as president.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines