Cathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA commissioner by the end of this year, or early 2027, depending on when NBA commissioner Adam Silver finds a suitable replacement. Her tenure since 2019 has seen substantial changes: two collective bargaining agreements, franchise valuation increases, and expansion teams that helped make the WNBA bigger globally than ever before. But criticism over her relationship with players, handling of off-court controversies, officiating, and the 17‑month CBA negotiations has overshadowed those gains. The tension was clear at high-profile events like the Commissioner’s Cup final and All-Star weekend, when boos from the crowd rained down on Engelbert.

Engelbert told The Associated Press she has already submitted a list of internal and external candidates to WNBA owners and Silver. “We’ll run a real succession process in the remaining four months. If we don’t find someone, I’ll stay on,” she said. “I had no transition. I walked in the door, and I was by myself as no one transitioned me into this role. Hopefully I can help this next leader transition in, especially considering the elevation of this league.”

While those names are not public, here are the potential candidates who make the most sense to replace Engelbert.

Bethany Donaphin

The WNBA has never had a former player as president or commissioner, and Bethany Donaphin might be the one to begin that trend. The former New York Liberty player has been the WNBA’s Head of League Operations since 2018, overseeing on‑court basketball operations, playing rules, scouting, scheduling, and venue compliance.

Before that, Donaphin worked in NBA Basketball Operations, focusing on career development for former players and rules clarity. Like Engelbert, she also worked at Deloitte as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies. In 2020, she was named to Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list.

With her rich history in both the WNBA and NBA, plus an exemplary managerial resume, Donaphin is an ideal candidate Silver could consider.

Swin Cash

Moving on to another former WNBA player and UConn great, Swin Cash has emerged as a favorable candidate for the commissioner role. Cash joined the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 as vice president of basketball operations and team development, later promoted to senior vice president before leaving amid restructuring.

Currently, she serves as president of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s board, an education nonprofit founded by Billie Jean King.

Cash’s front-office resume speaks volumes, but unlike Donaphin, she also brings hefty experience as a player. Cash spent 15 seasons in the WNBA, winning three championships and earning four All-Star selections. At UConn, the power forward elevated her game as a senior, averaging 14.9 points and 8.6 rebounds while leading the Huskies to a national title.

For her efforts, Cash was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Naturally, she would likely foster stronger relationships with players, something Engelbert lacked, according to stars like Napheesa Collier, who famously called Engelbert’s tenure the “worst leadership.”

Nina King

Duke University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Nina King, is another intriguing option. She guided Duke through challenges like COVID‑19, the transfer portal, NIL reforms, and conference realignments.

King also chaired the NCAA women’s basketball tournament committee and serves on USA Basketball’s board. If Donaphin is the perfect inside hire, King’s high-profile roles could provide the best value from the outside.

Mark Tatum

Few have worked as closely with Silver as NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. With the league since 1999, Tatum has overseen global partnerships and stepped in as interim WNBA leader after Lisa Borders left in 2018, before Engelbert’s arrival.

His experience makes him a logical candidate, though it remains to be seen if he would leave his NBA role.

Nneka Ogwumike

Last but not least, Nneka Ogwumike is a fan-favorite option. The Sparks icon is retiring at the end of this season and has a decade of experience as WNBPA president. She recently led the players’ association to a historic seven-year agreement with the league, boosting salaries, revenue sharing, travel, and facilities.

Ogwumike has tempered expectations, saying, “I personally don’t think I’m qualified for it. But it doesn’t mean that maybe in years to come that an opportunity like that could come and I feel a little bit more comfortable.”

Still, if Silver wants someone with strong credibility among players, Ogwumike would be the choice.

Following the scrutiny Engelbert faced in her final season, the commissioner role won’t be a walk in the park. But if the next leader can provide answers Engelbert didn’t and act on them, the WNBA could tip off another boom period.