Cathy Engelbert will continue as WNBA commissioner, she says

Editor’s note: USA TODAY Sports is providing live coverage of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago on Saturday. Follow along here for updates.

Without answering the question directly Cathy Engelbert indicated that she plans to continue to be the commissioner of the WNBA when the league’s next season begins in 2027.

Engelbert spoke to reporters and fielded a variety of questions on Saturday, July 25 ahead of the league’s All-Star Game in Chicago.

“I’m so blessed to be at the helm of this league during this incredible hypergrowth period. So blessed that these players are putting the product on the court every night, that they stand for the values that the W has long sought for,” Engelbert said. “So, I will just continue to, you know, do my job and execute the strategy because it has been working … Absolutely, just love this league and blessed to have had the career I had before and the career I have now.”

It would be fair to call Engelbert an embattled commissioner on the day of the 2026 All-Star Game. She has faced criticism from players, media personalities and politicians when it comes to the league’s officiating, its handling of online harassment, player safety and other issues.

A detailed view of the 2026 WNBA All Star 3-point contest balls before the Skills Competition at Wintrust Arena.

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A detailed view of the 2026 WNBA All Star 3-point contest balls before the Skills Competition at Wintrust Arena.

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A detailed view of the the 2026 WNBA All Star logo before the Skills Competition at Wintrust Arena.

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A detailed view of the 2026 WNBA All Star 3-point contest ball before the Skills Competition at Wintrust Arena.

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A detailed view of the 2026 WNBA All Star ball before the Skills Competition at Wintrust Arena.