In the darkest days of the past 12 months, Cathy Engelbert leaned on lessons from álbum 40‑plus years in corporate America. She navigated two collective bargaining negotiations, a workmanship‑shaking pandemic, and inherited a league she described as having "no money, no scale, no capability".

Controversy surged when star Napheesa Collier called Engelbert "negligent" and the league’s worst leadership. An incident involving Alyssa Thomas pushing Caitlin Clark’s throat turned into a national spectacle, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver urging a suspension that Thomas denied. Congressional Republicans demanded accountability, amplifying calls that Engelbert’s silence and perceived absence hurt the league.

Despite turmoil, Engelbert oversaw hyper‑growth: the WNBA’s media rights reached $3.1 billion, revenue increased tenfold, and a new CBA secured the first $1 million salaries and a revenue‑sharing model. Expansion to 18 markets by 2030 and a 50‑game season are now on the horizon.

Stakeholders question whether Engelbert can continue to lead. While she deflects her future, many insiders predict 2026 will be her last year as commissioner, as the league seeks fresh leadership to navigate its next chapter.