Ever since Cathy Engelbert announced that she would be stepping down as WNBA commissioner after six years, speculation has been around who the next person to take over such a tricky role could be. And safe to say that among a plethora of options from inside and outside the league, fans have picked current WNBPA president and Los Angeles Sparks star Nneka Ogwumike as their outright No. 1 pick.

While Ogwumike is well‑respected and led the WNBPA for a decade through two CBA negotiations, Sports Illustrated’s Grant Young has provided a different perspective. He believes it is not the right time for the Sparks legend to take over, at least not immediately. His reasoning: Ogwumike has spent the past decade representing labor, and switching sides to management right after retirement could leave a bad taste.

“I actually don’t think she (Nneka Ogwumike) is the right person for the job. I definitely get the appeal. Nneka is one of the most respected players in league history, led the players’ union for about a decade, and understands what players want. And she’s also about to retire. But the commissioner doesn’t work for the players, they ultimately work for the league and its owners,” Young said on X.

“That means negotiating with the players’ union, protecting the league’s business, and essentially being the owners’ liaison. Nneka has spent the past decade doing the exact opposite, representing labor over management. Her switching sides now would feel disingenuous. I absolutely think Nneka should help shape the league’s future, but going straight from representing the players union to representing owners feels like the wrong role at the wrong time.”

Timing Conflict

Ogwumike’s leadership in the 17‑month CBA negotiation only just concluded. To pivot immediately from labor leader to commissioner would be a dramatic shift in interests. Young argues this timing undermines her credibility, even if her experience is invaluable.

Ogwumike herself has hinted at hesitation. Asked by Boardroom about pursuing the commissioner role, she said: “I don’t close doors, but I do appreciate vacation. There is so much that I don’t know, and there is so much that I would have to learn before…being ready for that.”

Engelbert’s Succession Plan

Engelbert has already submitted a list of potential successors to NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “We’ll run a real succession process in the remaining four months. If we don’t find someone, I’ll stay on,” she told the Associated Press. Engelbert emphasized the importance of a smoother transition than the one she experienced.

Two names have surfaced as frontrunners. One is Bethany Donaphin, who is a former Liberty player, now WNBA Head of League Operations since 2018. Oversees rules, scheduling, and compliance. Previously worked in NBA operations and Deloitte consulting. Named to Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 in 2020.

Another name in contention is Swin Cash, who is a Three‑time WNBA champion and four‑time All‑Star. Former Pelicans executive, now president of the Women’s Sports Foundation board. Brings deep player experience but less time in corporate management.

Ogwumike’s Next Chapter

While fans continue to push for Ogwumike, her immediate future lies elsewhere. She is set to retire after 15 seasons and will join Project B, a new international women’s league launching in January. Each player receives equity, a move Ogwumike described as empowering: “Being able to say that I’m a partner in this…is something women have been preaching for so long.”

For now, Ogwumike’s focus remains on finishing her WNBA career strong. Whether she eventually pursues the commissioner role, her legacy as both a player and union leader is already secure.