WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert sounds off on being asked about her future

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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed questions about her future with the league, pushing back on the focus being placed solely on her role.

As the WNBA continues to grow in visibility and influence, leadership questions have naturally become part of the conversation.

However, Engelbert made it clear that she believes the spotlight should be directed elsewhere, particularly toward the people driving the league forward on a daily basis.

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Cathy Engelbert shifts focus away from her future as WNBA commissioner

Engelbert responded to the question in a clip shared via Yahoo Sports, where she addressed how long she plans to remain in her role.

She said, “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.”

The comment reflects her desire to highlight the broader ecosystem behind the WNBA, pointing to the many individuals who contribute to its operations and continued growth.

Rather than centring the conversation on one figure, Engelbert emphasised the collective effort behind the league’s success.

It also signals a leadership approach that prioritises visibility for others, particularly within an organisation that continues to expand its reach.

Cathy Engelbert questions how leadership questions are framed

Engelbert also addressed the nature of the question itself, suggesting there may be a broader issue in how such topics are approached.

She added, “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 response introduces a wider conversation about gender dynamics in leadership, particularly in sports where representation at the executive level has historically been limited.

By raising that point, Engelbert added context beyond her own position, highlighting how scrutiny and questioning can differ depending on who is in charge.

As the WNBA continues its upward trajectory, her remarks underline that the conversation around leadership is not just about tenure, but also about how those roles are perceived and discussed.

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