The WNBA is poised for leadership change as commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement effective at the end of the calendar year. Engelbert, the sixth league head and second-longest tenured behind Val Ackerman, was the first to hold the title of commissioner. The search for her replacement will commence later this month, with the hire expected to report to NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Engelbert has already submitted a list of potential internal and external candidates to Silver. Prior to Engelbert's 2019 hiring, the players' union requested and was granted meetings with final candidates. A source familiar with the situation told ESPN the league is approaching the process with an open mind, recognizing that a leader without a traditional corporate background might offer advantages. Building relationships with players, owners, and executives is seen as a priority following Engelbert's tenure, which notably included several strained relationships with key players.

Potential candidates have emerged in recent speculation. Swin Cash, a former UConn star and Naismith Hall of Fame inductee, has front office experience with the WNBA's New York Liberty and NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty since 2020, brings franchise business expertise and postgraduate degrees from NYU and Harvard. Bethany Donaphin, head of WNBA operations since 2016, possesses an MBA from Wharton and experience consulting for Fortune 500 companies. Tanya Hvizdak, a 25-year Nike veteran and vice president of global sports marketing, has been closely involved in WNBA shoe development for stars like A'ja Wilson.