Breanna Stewart Praises Cathy Engelbert’s WNBA Legacy After Retirement News
· Yahoo Sports
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart said Friday she is happy for Cathy Engelbert, hours after the WNBA announced its commissioner will retire at the end of the year.
Stewart is vice president of the players' union executive committee and sat on the union side of the collective bargaining negotiation that wrapped up this past spring. Before July's All-Star Game in Chicago, she said the players respected Engelbert but did not have much of a relationship with her.
Visit esporist.org for more information.
"What she's done for the league is incredible," Stewart said. "Obviously, the CBA negotiation was a tough one, but the way that both sides continue to have a huge win is really important. So really happy for her and hope that she continues to remember that and reflect on that."
The agreement marked the first time league history saw player salaries reaching the million-dollar mark. It was the second labor deal negotiated under Engelbert, after the one finalized in January 2020. Negotiations between the league and the union continued through the offseason and into spring, during which Engelbert's relationship with the players was tense for much of the period.
During the 2025 playoffs, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier said the league had the "worst leadership in the world," as Front Office Sports noted in its report on the retirement. Players have also said the league has not done enough about online abuse directed at them.
Engelbert told The Associated Press on Friday that she has a good relationship with the players and that the decision to leave was hers alone. She also sent a letter to every player Friday morning.
In the letter, Engelbert wrote that she had "enormous pride in what we've accomplished together, profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead alongside of you, and complete confidence that the future of the WNBA is brighter than ever."
WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson issued a statement on Friday. She acknowledged that while the two sides did not always see eye to eye, they both believed in the league's potential. Jackson also expressed pride in their joint accomplishments. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, to whom Engelbert reports, made the retirement announcement.
Engelbert joined the league on July 17, 2019, following four years as Deloitte's chief executive. At that time, the league comprised 12 teams, expanding to 18 by 2030. League data shows viewership has increased by approximately 454%, and attendance has risen about 70% since 2019. The union's advocacy for charter travel for players, a notable change she cited to the AP with pride, was among the improvements.
Engelbert turns 62 in November. Her retirement takes effect Dec. 31, and she told the AP she will remain in the role past that date if the league has not hired a successor. Multiple sources told ESPN the search will start later this month.
The Liberty entered the World Cup break at 22-15 after beating the Chicago Sky 85-66 on Aug. 29.