Lehigh Alumna Cathy Engelbert Announces Retirement as WNBA Commissioner
Engelbert, ’86, will step down at the end of the 2026 season after more than seven years leading the league, overseeing expansion from 12 to 18 teams and growth in viewership.
Cathy Engelbert, ’86, announced she will retire as WNBA commissioner effective at the end of the 2026 season. She served more than seven years as the league’s first Commissioner, expanding the WNBA from 12 to 18 teams and increasing overall viewership of professional women’s basketball.