Cathy Engelbert never meant to be WNBA commissioner for seven years

Cathy Engelbert has admitted that her seven-year tenure as the WNBA's first commissioner -- which has coincided with the league's boom in popularity -- never was supposed to last this long."I had only intended to do this job for three-and-a-half years,” Engelbert told The IX Sports' Howard Megdal in an exclusive interview published upon her announcement that she would step down from her role at the conclusion of the 2026 season.Engelbert's stint as commissioner has had its highs and lows. The later years of her WNBA stewardship have seen the league undergo incredible growth, which coincided with Caitlin Clark's entry into the pro ranks in 2024.MORE: Cathy Engelbert replacements: Mark Tatum, Nneka Ogwumike lead list of candidates to become WNBA's next commissionerHowever, Engelbert's abilit