Being the WNBA commissioner ranks among the toughest positions in sports today. Much of that stems from how Cathy Engelbert handles the role, which often appears challenging. She has guided the league toward greater financial success and wider appeal than ever, yet players keep voicing public complaints about her approach.

The position carries real demands, and Engelbert has met many of them effectively. Still, this piece explores steps I would take if in her place, beginning with the background that led to the current situation.

Throughout most of the league history, the top role was president of the WNBA. Val Ackerman served as the first and longest-serving president. Between 1996 and 2005 she played a key part in launching the WNBA and building the base for the league that exists now. She grew the league to 16 teams while also navigating the initial collective bargaining agreement in 1999 and the initial wave of ownership changes in 2003.

By 2019 the league sought a prominent leader for the commissioner post. Engelbert took the job in May 2019 following four years as Deloitte CEO. Ten months later the pandemic arrived and halted sports. Engelbert earned credit for steering the WNBA through one of the earliest successful virtual drafts and a condensed bubble season.

Now in 2026, Engelbert enters her eighth year amid questions from stakeholders and fans about her direction and calls for her to step down. After navigating and settling a difficult 18-month labor dispute, she may have expected calmer times, yet criticism persists over the handling of online harassment, referee decisions and limited player outreach. It is common to spot social media comments on schedule posts faulting Engelbert for overlapping game times or to hear boos during on-court award events.

I understand Engelbert position. Satisfying every party proves nearly impossible. Her core duty centers on the league financial health. With a business focus she represents owners and investors more than the athletes. In the recent CBA talks Engelbert stood opposite the players and their union. Owners also defended their stakes and resisted player requests, so she spoke on behalf of that group and the league office overall.

Her name draws criticism because that comes with the commissioner title. She receives early praise for moves such as aiding the Atlanta Dream sale from owner Kelly Loeffler, who opposed the league Black Lives Matter stance, and early blame for incidents such as events backing Sophie Cunningham after her remarks against transgender athletes.

At a press event last September Napheesa Collier criticized Engelbert for lacking real player connections and weak league oversight. We have the top players and fans in the world, Collier noted, but at present the weakest leadership in the world.

If I held the commissioner post the first step would be to avoid any attire that hints at favoring one finals team. That is a light note. The real move would be to bring on a co-commissioner dedicated to player relations. One person cannot easily juggle league business and athletes daily concerns. This partner would listen to player issues, develop practical fixes and keep open talks between players and the league. Lisa Leslie would top my interview list. A Black woman in a league with no Black female head coaches, she is a WNBA icon respected across player generations, fans and executives alike.

WNBA star Elena Delle Donne noted she received no contact from Engelbert after her retirement announcement. Candace Parker mentioned receiving congratulations from NBA commissioner Adam Silver on her third child plus yearly holiday gifts from him, yet nothing from Engelbert. Aja Wilson, a four-time MVP and two-time defensive player of the year, stated she only connects with Engelbert during award presentations. This stands as a clear problem. Should Engelbert stay as commissioner her best step would involve hiring a partner to rebuild ties with the league top assets, the players.

If I were commissioner I would also draw a clear line against racist, homophobic and transphobic individuals posing as fans who have entered WNBA spaces. I would stress that the W has always been a forward league that champions inclusion, regardless of financial impact. That approach, together with the finest women basketball talent, defines what makes the WNBA strong.

This is an extract from WNBA 30, where Jordan Robinson covers the biggest stories in the league on and off the court each week. Subscribe for free here.