NEW YORK — Cathy Engelbert's decision to retire as WNBA commissioner at the end of 2026 closes one of the most consequential chapters in the league's history, and one the Phoenix Mercury have felt closely.
Engelbert, the league's first commissioner, took over in 2019 and presided over a period of unprecedented growth, including major media deals, a new collective bargaining agreement, expansion plans and rising player salaries. But as the league has grown, so have questions surrounding player relations, league discipline and whether the WNBA has kept pace with the expectations created by its rapid growth.
Those questions became especially relevant in Phoenix this summer.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever, 111-109. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was suspended one game after an on-court altercation with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during a game on June 24. While Thomas was not ruled for a foul when her hand inadvertently slipped to Clark's throat during a play for a loose ball, the situation rapidly spread across social media, with many calling for an investigation into the incident.
Thomas later said she received death threats and racial abuse following the incident and criticized Engelbert for what she described as silence from the league.
Engelbert then condemned the harassment directed toward Thomas.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks during a presser before the start of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Her departure now puts the focus on who will be next in line to oversee a league continuing to make waves, and whether that person can balance the WNBA's enormous momentum with the scrutiny that comes with it. For Phoenix fans, there is a particular reason to pay attention after seeing one of their stars become the center of a controversy that stretched far beyond basketball.
The next commissioner will inherit a league that is bigger, more visible and under more pressure than ever before.
Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charisma Osborne poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number twenty-five overall pick to the Phoenix Mercury in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Engelbert's successor will have the task of carrying the WNBA forward while also addressing the questions that have emerged along the way — questions Mercury fans have seen play out firsthand.
