1 hr. ago
News that Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2026 season sent shockwaves through the league on Friday, Sept. 4.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, bringing her polarizing seven-year tenure that saw exponential growth and increased scrutiny to a close. Engelbert helped oversee a transformational collective barging agreement earlier this spring, her second at the helm of the W since becoming the league's first commissioner in 2019.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," Silver said in a statement. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Silver wasn't the only voice in basketball to comment on the news. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson both chimed in following Engelbert's retirement announcement.
Here's are their reactions:
#WNBA #wnbpa #Growth #Basketball
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, bringing her polarizing seven-year tenure that saw exponential growth and increased scrutiny to a close. Engelbert helped oversee a transformational collective barging agreement earlier this spring, her second at the helm of the W since becoming the league's first commissioner in 2019.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," Silver said in a statement. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Silver wasn't the only voice in basketball to comment on the news. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson both chimed in following Engelbert's retirement announcement.
Here's are their reactions:
#WNBA #wnbpa #Growth #Basketball
10 days ago
As the WNBA finds itself in a storm of controversy, some fans want Barack Obama to take over for Cathy Engelbert as the league's new commissioner.
The last year has been difficult for Engelbert, who has come under fire for her handling of multiple issues, including the standoff during the WNBPA's collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
But the way she has failed to address the recent controversy surrounding the league has people looking to outside figures to take over as the new commissioner of the WNBA.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
One fan on X suggested that Barack Obama should try and make himself available to replace Cathy Engelbert and become the new WNBA commissioner.
#obama #cathy #geoff
The last year has been difficult for Engelbert, who has come under fire for her handling of multiple issues, including the standoff during the WNBPA's collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
But the way she has failed to address the recent controversy surrounding the league has people looking to outside figures to take over as the new commissioner of the WNBA.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
One fan on X suggested that Barack Obama should try and make himself available to replace Cathy Engelbert and become the new WNBA commissioner.
#obama #cathy #geoff
27 days ago
With former NBA players like Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declaring for the WNBA Draft, the Players' ****** ociation has released a statement to make their own stance crystal clear.
The conversation surrounding the WNBA has unfortunately moved away from the court a little bit. The debate the league is currently embroiled in is whether trans athletes can be allowed in women's sports.
Ex-NBA players that are out of the league like Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have capitalised on the attention and announced their intentions to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
While this is likely never going to happen, it does put pressure on the league to clarify their policies. The WNBPA, however, are free to do whatever they like, and they have now chosen to speak.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
#like #league
The conversation surrounding the WNBA has unfortunately moved away from the court a little bit. The debate the league is currently embroiled in is whether trans athletes can be allowed in women's sports.
Ex-NBA players that are out of the league like Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have capitalised on the attention and announced their intentions to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
While this is likely never going to happen, it does put pressure on the league to clarify their policies. The WNBPA, however, are free to do whatever they like, and they have now chosen to speak.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
#like #league
1 month ago
On Friday, members of the Oregon women's basketball team filed a petition for union representation with the Oregon Employment Relations Board, marking the latest unionization effort in college sports—and the first based solely on public sector state labor laws.
The effort was led by the United College Athletes **** ociation, a 501(c)(5) labor union founded by former NCAA track athlete Andrew Cooper,which has been working to organize women's basketball specifically since 2024. While this is the first formal move toward unionization, the UCAA says it has more than 100 women's basketball players who have signed "unionization authorization cards."
The UCAA's advisory board includes current and former members of professional sports unions, including NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, as well as former National Labor Relations Board executives.
"We deserve a seat at the table, meaningful protections, fair compensation, and a collective bargaining agreement that raises the standard for everyone," Maryland women's basketball player Oluchi Okananwa, the interim president of the UCAA, said in a statement. "This work is bigger than any one season or generation. We are building lasting power for the athletes competing today and those who will come after us."
The news comes just several days after a separate organization, the College Football Players **** ociation, launched an organizing effort among football players at Stanford. Unlike the UCAA's effort, however, Stanford football players aren't filing for formal union authorization just yet—they're waiting for a more favorable political climate.
#labor #former
The effort was led by the United College Athletes **** ociation, a 501(c)(5) labor union founded by former NCAA track athlete Andrew Cooper,which has been working to organize women's basketball specifically since 2024. While this is the first formal move toward unionization, the UCAA says it has more than 100 women's basketball players who have signed "unionization authorization cards."
The UCAA's advisory board includes current and former members of professional sports unions, including NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, as well as former National Labor Relations Board executives.
"We deserve a seat at the table, meaningful protections, fair compensation, and a collective bargaining agreement that raises the standard for everyone," Maryland women's basketball player Oluchi Okananwa, the interim president of the UCAA, said in a statement. "This work is bigger than any one season or generation. We are building lasting power for the athletes competing today and those who will come after us."
The news comes just several days after a separate organization, the College Football Players **** ociation, launched an organizing effort among football players at Stanford. Unlike the UCAA's effort, however, Stanford football players aren't filing for formal union authorization just yet—they're waiting for a more favorable political climate.
#labor #former
1 month ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 25: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game between Team Coop and Team Spoon at the United Center on July 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)
Amid the excitement of the 2026 WNBA All-Star celebrations, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the launch of a Replay Center beginning with the 2027 season, a move intended to address concerns about officiating and on-court safety raised by players, coaches and fans.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," said Engelbert during the All-Star pregame press conference on Saturday. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process, while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
Engelbert shared few details about the project but said that the WNBA will center operations alongside the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., where officials will have access to additional camera angles and replay footage to help them make better-informed decisions.
Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the relationship between players and the league.
#user
Amid the excitement of the 2026 WNBA All-Star celebrations, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the launch of a Replay Center beginning with the 2027 season, a move intended to address concerns about officiating and on-court safety raised by players, coaches and fans.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," said Engelbert during the All-Star pregame press conference on Saturday. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process, while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
Engelbert shared few details about the project but said that the WNBA will center operations alongside the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., where officials will have access to additional camera angles and replay footage to help them make better-informed decisions.
Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the relationship between players and the league.
#user
1 month ago
CHICAGO ― Player safety, particularly safety from online abuse, has become a dominant topic for the WNBA in the weeks leading up to the 2026 All-Star weekend. Many players understand it's important, but admit there isn't a simple solution.
"It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY.
"And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."
On Tuesday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert and leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players **** ociation (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league.
The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.
#safety #Media
"It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY.
"And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."
On Tuesday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert and leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players **** ociation (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league.
The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.
#safety #Media
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty met Sunday night to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the WNBA’s first game, Nneka Ogwumike found herself tasked with explaining the meaning behind the moment.
Who else would it be? The Sparks forward is, after all, “Madame President,” the leader of the players’ union and one of the most veteran players in the league. But her best answer was what she did when the Sparks trailed by two with a second left, when she caught the ball on the left wing, elevated and let it rain.
Splash! As a sold-out Crypto.com Arena celebrated Ogwumike’s buzzer-beater for a 98-97 Sparks victory, it became crystal clear that the meaning of the WNBA’s past 30 seasons was getting to this moment of celebration.
“I just felt the emotions of it all,” Ogwumike said. “Getting the win, it’s more than just a number in the W column. It’s incredibly meaningful, especially for this community of people that have been pouring into us, these legends that have laid the foundation. I just kind of felt it all in that moment.”
Ogwumike, 35, has been a presence in the WNBA for half its existence. She is not only considered one of its best players but also a compass, carefully guiding players beyond the past and into an uncharted future. Her leadership was on full display in the 17 months of negotiations between the WNBA and WNBPA that culminated in a revolutionary collective bargaining agreement that is highlighted by the first $1 million salaries and a historic revenue-sharing model.
Who else would it be? The Sparks forward is, after all, “Madame President,” the leader of the players’ union and one of the most veteran players in the league. But her best answer was what she did when the Sparks trailed by two with a second left, when she caught the ball on the left wing, elevated and let it rain.
Splash! As a sold-out Crypto.com Arena celebrated Ogwumike’s buzzer-beater for a 98-97 Sparks victory, it became crystal clear that the meaning of the WNBA’s past 30 seasons was getting to this moment of celebration.
“I just felt the emotions of it all,” Ogwumike said. “Getting the win, it’s more than just a number in the W column. It’s incredibly meaningful, especially for this community of people that have been pouring into us, these legends that have laid the foundation. I just kind of felt it all in that moment.”
Ogwumike, 35, has been a presence in the WNBA for half its existence. She is not only considered one of its best players but also a compass, carefully guiding players beyond the past and into an uncharted future. Her leadership was on full display in the 17 months of negotiations between the WNBA and WNBPA that culminated in a revolutionary collective bargaining agreement that is highlighted by the first $1 million salaries and a historic revenue-sharing model.
3 months ago
Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton is joined by WNBA reporter, writer and podcaster Jackie Powell who dishes out the latest updates on all things Commissioner’s Cup. The duo dive into the New York Liberty’s unbeaten run through the Eastern Conference and debate who will emerge from the West: the Minnesota Lynx or the Las Vegas Aces.
Plus, 10x WNBA All-Star, WNBA champion, president of the WNBPA and LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike joins the show! She discusses why she decided to return to the LA Sparks, her experience watching the new CBA she fought for come to life and opens up about what it’s like playing with teammate Kelsey Plum.
Who do you have winning the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup Championship? Let us know in the comments!
01:40 - What does the schedule expansion to 50 games in 2027 mean for the WNBA?
05:43 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup check-in: The West
Plus, 10x WNBA All-Star, WNBA champion, president of the WNBPA and LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike joins the show! She discusses why she decided to return to the LA Sparks, her experience watching the new CBA she fought for come to life and opens up about what it’s like playing with teammate Kelsey Plum.
Who do you have winning the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup Championship? Let us know in the comments!
01:40 - What does the schedule expansion to 50 games in 2027 mean for the WNBA?
05:43 - 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup check-in: The West
10 months ago
WNBA union reportedly unmoved by league's CBA proposal
With 10 days remaining until the expiration of the WNBA CBA, the league's latest proposal apparently isn't impressing the players.
Per ESPN's Alexa Philippou, the WNBPA does not see a proposal that includes a maximum salary of around $1.1 million and a minimum salary of around $220,000 as something that moves negotiations forward.
The offer, on its face, represented a significant jump from the current CBA, where the supermax was $249,244 and the minimum was $66,079. However, the union reportedly feels the system would not sufficiently
With 10 days remaining until the expiration of the WNBA CBA, the league's latest proposal apparently isn't impressing the players.
Per ESPN's Alexa Philippou, the WNBPA does not see a proposal that includes a maximum salary of around $1.1 million and a minimum salary of around $220,000 as something that moves negotiations forward.
The offer, on its face, represented a significant jump from the current CBA, where the supermax was $249,244 and the minimum was $66,079. However, the union reportedly feels the system would not sufficiently
