With WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s contract nearing its end, a former Connecticut Sun player revealed the lack of public leadership during Engelbert’s term. While reports emerge that the W is looking for an external candidate to replace Engelbert, this two-time WNBA All-Star recently spoke about how the players and stakeholders felt a disconnect from their Commissioner.

Former WNBA star and ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike became the voice of the league as she appeared on NBA Today alongside her co-host Malika Andrews. Ogwumike, who shares a relationship with Engelbert as well as the players, noted that the Commissioner was often absent during key WNBA moments. 

“Publicly, there has been a lack of presence by a commissioner in probably the most important moments, which makes players feel like there’s no leadership in the room that can really direct all key pieces, whether it be ownership and the front office, or the players and the coaches. There’s just no presence, publicly.”

There have been reports of Engelbert’s absence in the public eye as well as in the inner circles of the WNBA, a sentiment Ogwumike echoed on NBA Today. Her communication style has been severely criticised by players and executives alike, with the most prominent example being Napheesa Collier’s comments. The Minnesota Lynx forward claimed that Engelbert dismissed her concerns about players, saying that “only losers complain about the refs.” Engelbert later denied making these comments, but they certainly did not help her image as Commissioner. 

According to a report by The Athletic, WNBA legend Candice Parker, who has a regular communication channel with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, has not heard a word from Engelbert, even after the birth of her third child. Engelbert has notably lacked communication with the players of the league she runs. 

Regarding what Ogwumike said about the Commissioner’s absence, Engelbert has most notably been absent during important moments in the W. June 21 saw the WNBA’s 30th anniversary game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the New York Liberty, which Engelbert chose not to attend. She instead chose to attend the U.S. Open golf tournament. In addition, Engelbert also missed the 2026 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, per The Athletic. 

There has clearly been a lack of substantial presence from the Commissioner. Engelbert has admitted this, as WNBA reporter Annie Costabile revealed on the No Offseason podcast.

“Cathy did acknowledge her maybe missteps in terms of communication.”

But acknowledgement doesn’t seem to be enough, as the league is looking to replace Cathy Engelbert sooner rather than later. 

Is there a clear replacement for Cathy Engelbert?

ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou, in a report last Thursday, revealed that the league and its stakeholders were actively looking to find new leadership. 

“Conversations with more than 20 stakeholders in and around the WNBA who spoke on the condition of anonymity, including owners, management, players and other industry insiders, offer a general belief that for as much business growth Engelbert has overseen, she’s not the right person to navigate the demands the league currently faces and what its stakeholders now need.”

Interestingly though, there seems to be no clear replacement for Engelbert right now, causing management to look at external candidates for the position. Philippou spoke about this as well, per an X post by Underdog WNBA. 

“Philippou: WNBA expected to look externally for new commissioner if Cathy Engelbert is not retained.

‘There is not really an heir apparent within the league office.’”

Despite the lack of an apparent replacement, the league seems ready to have a new face lead the league, as per a majority of its stakeholders. And despite Cathy Engelbert leading the league into its most successful era, her shortcomings are too large to ignore for the people who run the league, the players.