Cathy Engelbert is the Commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and, as of September 2025, has faced public criticism from players regarding league leadership and inconsistent officiating. Before her 2019 appointment as WNBA Commissioner, Engelbert had a 33-year career at Deloitte, where she was its first female CEO.
Recent news
On September 30, 2025, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, a vice president of the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), publicly criticized Engelbert during her exit interview. Collier accused Engelbert and the WNBA of showing a "lack of accountability" and having "the worst leadership in the world". Her criticisms came after her injury in the WNBA semifinal playoffs, and she specifically referenced:
- Officiating concerns: Collier and other players have consistently expressed concerns over the inconsistency of officiating. She revealed that when she brought up the issues with Engelbert in February, the commissioner allegedly responded, "Only losers complain about the refs".
- Controversial comments: Collier also claimed Engelbert made comments regarding rookie salaries, telling her that Caitlin Clark "should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't be making anything". The Indianapolis Star has fact-checked this claim, pointing out that Clark had significant endorsement deals long before playing in the WNBA.
- Lack of contact: Collier expressed frustration that Engelbert did not contact her after her season-ending ankle injury in the playoffs.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations: Collier and the players union have voiced frustrations over the pace of negotiations for a new CBA.
WNBA leadership and career
- WNBA Commissioner: Since becoming the WNBA's first-ever commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has been instrumental in growing the league. Under her leadership, the WNBA has achieved its most-watched regular season and highest attendance in decades, and it secured a major media rights deal in 2024.
- Deloitte CEO: Before joining the WNBA, Engelbert spent 33 years at the professional services firm Deloitte. She became the company's first female CEO in 2015.
- Corporate boards: Engelbert serves on the boards of directors for McDonald's Corporation and Royalty Pharma.
- USGA: She is in her fourth year as a member of the United States Golf Association (USGA) Executive Committee.
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