Topeka, KS, October 17, 2026 —

The WNBA is seeking a successor to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she announced that she will retire at the end of the year. The league has engaged a search firm to vet candidates for the position.

The announcement sets in motion a process to identify candidates for the commissioner role, but details about the search have not been provided. The name of the search firm, the criteria it will use to assess candidates and the expected timetable for selecting a successor were not specified.

Engelbert’s retirement is described as taking effect at the end of the year. The summary of the announcement does not specify which year, provide a precise departure date or say whether she will remain in the role until a successor is selected.

No candidates have been identified in the information provided, and the league has not disclosed whether it is considering internal candidates, external candidates or both. It is also not clear whether the search firm will recommend a shortlist or how the final decision will be made.

The available information confirms that the WNBA is preparing for a leadership transition and has engaged outside help to vet potential successors. Further details about the search and the transition have not been announced in the information provided.


Story summarized from the original created by DOUG FEINBERG, Associated Press on www.ksnt.com, see more information here.

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