WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed various topics at the pre-draft press conference, including the new CBA and league expansion, but sidestepped questions about her future. She emphasized the focus should be on the women in the league rather than herself.
NEW YORK ― WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed a litany of subjects ahead of the 2026 WNBA Draft, including the future of her job.
An hour before the top prospects in women's college basketball were set to walk the stage at The Shed in New York, Engelbert gave her annual pre-draft press conference, where she spoke about offseason activities like the new CBA agreement, expansion teams and the league's growth.
However, a question about her future seemed to bother the commissioner, who ultimately sidestepped the inquiry before pondering if it would have been asked of a man. Engelbert eventually said there was "nothing else to report" and denied that there was any "story" about her future.
"I do crack up how everybody's focused on me, and you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself," Engelerbert said. "I appreciate that you're focused on me as well. I wonder if you would ask that of a man, by the way, but I realize as women we get asked different questions than men do."
The commissioner did answer other questions about the state of the league, the CBA and lessons learned from the process. Here are some of the key takeaways from Engelbert's press conference:
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
1 / 14
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
1 / 14
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
2 / 14
Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
3 / 14
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
4 / 14
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
5 / 14
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
6 / 14
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
7 / 14
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
8 / 14
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
9 / 14
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
10 / 14
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
11 / 14
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
12 / 14
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
13 / 14
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
14 / 14
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
Housing became a key sticking point during the marathon CBA negotiations ahead of the 2026 season. However, Engelbert appeared surprised by a strong push from players to continue housing. The league has provided housing since the first CBA in 1999."I didn't know how important and emotional that was for them because I just assume ― having two children in their 20s ― that, you know, pay for their own housing, that once they were making these much increased salaries, that that wasn't something they would need or want, but they made it very clear, it was very important to them," Engelbert said.
Engelbert says that when the next CBA rolls around in 2032, the league and players will likely approach things differently. The commissioner noted that the process could be reviewed ahead of negotiations to make things easier, and she wouldn't recommend marathon negotiations to get the deal over the line.However, she says that she's pleased with the outcome:
"The interesting thing is, we all wanted the same thing for the players. So we all had our list. They all matched," Engelbert said, "Ultimately, we wanted to kind of strike this great balance between significant increases in player salaries and benefits with the economic sustainability of the league because women's sports is very fragile and can be very fragile. We wanted to make sure we were setting the league up not just for the next six, seven years under the CBA, but for the next CBA."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cathy Engelbert talks CBA lessons, sidesteps question about her future
Cathy Engelbert sidestepped questions about her future, stating there was 'nothing else to report' and denying any ongoing story regarding her position.
Engelbert discussed the new CBA agreement, expansion teams, and the overall growth of the WNBA during her annual pre-draft press conference.
Engelbert noted that she found it interesting that she was being asked about her future, questioning whether such a question would be posed to a male commissioner.
Engelbert highlighted the importance of focusing on the achievements of women in the league and shared insights from the CBA process, emphasizing the league's positive trajectory.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.
Indiana Fever bolster roster by signing veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Joe Cole advises Arsenal to adjust their attack for the Man City match.
Former Indiana basketball players appeal dismissal of their lawsuit against the school.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.