In a landmark move for women’s basketball, Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie has been named the next commissioner of the WNBA, the league announced Friday. She will succeed Cathy Engelbert, who is stepping down at the end of 2026 after seven transformative years at the helm.
Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time champion, and four-time Olympic gold medalist, becomes the first former player to lead the league. The 54-year-old legend spent her entire professional career with the Los Angeles Sparks and has remained closely tied to the game as a broadcaster, coach, and advocate.
“We understood the assignment,” Leslie said in a statement, echoing her own words from years past. “This role isn’t just about leading a league—it’s about representing every little girl who looks up and sees possibility. I’m ready to build on the foundation Cathy has laid and take the WNBA to even greater heights.”
Engelbert, the WNBA’s first official commissioner, oversaw unprecedented growth: record media rights deals, expansion to 18 teams by 2030, a landmark collective bargaining agreement that delivered million-dollar salaries, and a cultural surge that elevated women’s sports into the mainstream. She will remain in the role through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised both leaders. “Cathy leaves the WNBA stronger than ever. Lisa Leslie’s playing career, competitive fire, and deep understanding of this league make her an inspired choice to guide its next chapter.”
Leslie’s appointment has already generated excitement across the basketball community. Players, fans, and executives see her as a bridge between the league’s pioneering past and its ambitious future. As one of the original faces of the WNBA when it launched in 1997, she brings unmatched credibility and a personal commitment to elevating the athletes who now carry the torch.
The transition marks a new era for a league that has never been more popular—or more promising. With Leslie at the helm beginning in 2027, the WNBA looks set to continue its rapid ascent.
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