WNBA reporter Annie Costabile has raised concerns over WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, suggesting that she faces an uncertain future in the league.
Towards the end of the 2025 WNBA season, several stars, starting with Napheesa Collier, called out the league’s leadership and specifically Engelbert. Criticism for Engelbert continued through the WNBA and WNBPA’s CBA negotiations, which concluded earlier this month.
Speaking on Monday’s episode of her “Flagrant and Funny” podcast, Costabile brought up some concerns about Engelbert’s leadership, citing the alleged unease of team owners.
“I’ve been asked this by so many different people: How long before Cathy Engelbert is no longer there?” Costabile said. “I’ve talked to a lot of sources within the league, owners specifically, who have concerns about Cathy going back to the 16% stake sale for 75 million.”
In 2022, Engelbert sold a 16% stake in the WNBA for $75 million. Costabile referred to the sale, saying that not everyone was happy with the deal.
“At the time, that was looked at as this celebratory moment outwardly, but there were a lot of people inside that were like, ‘This is a mistake.’”
She continued, expressing that the new CBA doesn’t do much for her future, citing her overall tenure as commissioner.
“Leading up to this deal, there was a lot of speculation, serious speculation about her future,” she said. “Once this deal is done, there will be a transition of power. I don’t think that this deal changes that.”
“When you look at Cathy’s tenure, it aligns with the idea that there would be a transition of power in the near future… a new leader should match Adam Silver in authority.”
Adam Silver gives a skeptical answer when asked about Cathy Engelbert’s WNBA future
Annie Costabile’s comments about Cathy Engelbert’s uncertain future might not be completely based on speculation. NBA commissioner Adam Silver also expressed skepticism when asked about Engelbert’s future with the WNBA.
“We haven’t had those discussions yet with the WNBA board,” Silver said on Wednesday. “I would always say Cathy’s done a fantastic job since she’s come to the WNBA. Obviously, you can see just in the results, but I haven’t had those discussions recently with Cathy, even in terms of her future plans and how long she wants to do this.”
While the WNBA continues to grow, it has yet to be seen whether Cathy Engelbert will be the commissioner who ushers the league into a new era.
Read More: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Reveals Truth Behind 12-Hour Marathon Meeting With Players Union
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
