The world of women’s basketball is currently buzzing with intense speculation and analysis surrounding the position of Cathy Engelbert, the Commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). What once seemed like a brilliant period of growth and impressive financial gains is now being overshadowed by a leadership crisis. Engelbert’s position appears to be hanging by a thread, a result of growing dissatisfaction from players, owners, and the indirect pressure from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. A recent analysis suggests that Engelbert might not survive this turbulent period, and a change in leadership could be imminent.

The Perfect Storm: Player and Owner Dissatisfaction

The initial signs of trouble emerged from the vocal and public criticism of WNBA stars. Notably, Nefisa Collier made headlines when she called the WNBA’s leadership the “worst in the world”, accusing Engelbert of being uncaring towards players and demanding more praise for the league’s growth. These strong words didn’t just tarnish Engelbert’s reputation; they ignited a widespread debate about the WNBA’s management style. What makes Collier’s criticism so potent is that it wasn’t an isolated voice; it was echoed by other stars and, most crucially, by several team owners, especially those who also own franchises in the NBA.

The dissent from the owners is a critical factor, as a commissioner’s primary role is to act as a spokesperson and representative for their interests. When owners lose faith in their representative, it’s a clear signal that a change is on the horizon. Many anonymous sources within the NBA and WNBA believe that Collier’s public comments merely accelerated a change that was already in motion. This suggests that a lack of confidence in Engelbert’s leadership has been simmering for a long time, just waiting for a catalyst to erupt.

A Breakdown in Communication and Leadership Skills

A primary reason for the widespread lack of trust, from both players and owners, is reportedly rooted in Engelbert’s communication and leadership skills. As the head of a socially and politically active league like the WNBA, effective communication, especially on sensitive topics, is paramount. However, multiple sources have criticized Engelbert as being “hard to reach” and “not an ideal communicator”.

One insider even remarked that Engelbert “doesn’t win the room” and “doesn’t move the masses”. She is often perceived as “tone-deaf” and “underwhelming” when explaining complex issues. This stands in stark contrast to the persona of Adam Silver, who is widely known for his charisma and ability to inspire confidence. This lack of natural charm and talent for building trust has prevented Engelbert from amassing the necessary support from either side of the proverbial aisle.

Impressive Financial Growth, but Is It Enough?

Despite the harsh criticism, it’s impossible to deny that under Cathy Engelbert’s leadership, the WNBA has achieved significant financial milestones. In 2022, the league secured a remarkable $75 million in its first-ever capital raise. The WNBA then went on to secure $925 million in new franchise fees, with the new buy-in price rising to $250 million, a $50 million increase from 2023. In 2024 alone, the WNBA generated another $76 million in sponsorship revenue, an impressive haul for a league nearing its 30th year and still not turning a profit.

However, these impressive financial figures don’t seem to be enough to satisfy all parties. Even with sponsorship revenue soaring, the league remains unprofitable, which is a point of contention for owners who prioritize revenue above all else. Some even question just how “impressive” these numbers are when the league hasn’t achieved financial independence. The financial growth simply can’t compensate for the perceived leadership and relationship-building deficits, especially when the concerns extend beyond money to include stability and faith in the league’s administration.

The Adam Silver Factor: A Matter of Reputation

A crucial factor now weighing heavily on Cathy Engelbert’s position is the indirect pressure from Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner. Engelbert reports directly to Silver, and a significant portion of WNBA ownership is tied to the NBA, with 42% owned by the league itself and another 42% by individual NBA owners through various investments. This effectively makes the NBA the “unofficial primary owner” of the WNBA.

The moment the heat starts to fall on Adam Silver, Engelbert’s job becomes even more precarious. Silver, known for his ability to manage crises and protect the NBA’s brand, is unlikely to allow the WNBA’s issues to tarnish his reputation. If the public and the media start holding Silver accountable for the WNBA’s problems, he will likely act swiftly to resolve the situation. This means that to protect himself and the NBA’s image, Silver might quickly move to dismiss Engelbert and appear as the hero who swooped in to save the day.

In the past, Silver successfully navigated political issues within the NBA by setting clear rules about avoiding political topics. Many believe he should apply a similar policy to the WNBA. It’s a safe bet that Silver won’t accept any “collateral damage” from the WNBA crisis. The unwavering support he enjoys from NBA owners further weakens Engelbert’s position.

What Lies Ahead?

Given the current circumstances, the question is not if, but when, a new WNBA commissioner will be appointed. While no official names have been announced, experts have begun to speculate on potential candidates. The choice of a new commissioner will largely depend on who Silver deems suitable—someone who can mend relationships, inspire confidence in both players and owners, and maintain the league’s financial momentum.

A figure with NBA experience, like NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, could be a strong consideration. Regardless of who it is, they will face the enormous challenge of restoring trust and guiding the WNBA to new heights, moving past the current turmoil. Cathy Engelbert’s commissionership is undoubtedly “on life support”. Despite impressive financial achievements, a lack of leadership skills, poor communication, and widespread dissatisfaction from both players and owners have created immense pressure. With Adam Silver also starting to feel the heat, a leadership change at the WNBA appears to be only a matter of time. This is not just a personnel change but an opportunity for the WNBA to redefine its future, moving towards a stronger, more cohesive, and sustainable leadership model.