Cathy Engelbert Steps Down as WNBA Commissioner | California News

0:00It's September 4th. Welcome in. This is California News Today, where local news meets AI. Kathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA Commissioner at the end of this year. She's been at the helm for over seven years, a period marked by significant growth for the league, but also some bumps in the road. She was the first Commissioner the WNBA ever had, taking the job back in 2019. During her time, the league has seen record viewership and attendance numbers. A big meteorite steal is also being finalized this year, and there are plans to expand the league to 18 teams by 2030. The emergence of exciting young talent like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Becker's has definitely fueled a lot of that momentum. Engelbert also played a key role in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. This agreement brought about the first million dollar salaries for WNBA players, which is a huge step. However, those negotiations weren't always smooth sailing, and the league has also faced

1:01discussions around player safety and other issues. She mentioned that she's been thinking of our retirement for a while, and that the decision wasn't forced by anyone. Engelbert plans to help find her replacement and ensure a smooth transition. She even said she'd stay on if they don't find someone by the end of the year. Paige Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged her leadership during the league's most significant growth phase in his 30-year history, thanking her. For her commitment to advancing women's basketball.