Cathy Engelbert Leads WNBA Into New Era with Significant Changes and Expansion

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been at the forefront of several significant changes and expansions within the league, setting the stage for a promising future. One of the most notable announcements came earlier this month when Engelbert revealed that the WNBA Finals will transition to a best-of-seven series starting from the 2025 season. This change aligns the WNBA with other major sports leagues and is expected to enhance the competitiveness and excitement of the championship series.

In addition to the Finals format change, Engelbert has also introduced a new playoff structure for the first round. The series will now follow a home-away-home format, ensuring that lower-seeded teams have the opportunity to host a playoff game. This adjustment is aimed at promoting fairness and providing financial benefits to all participating teams by allowing them to host games.

The league is also expanding, with the Golden State Valkyries set to join in 2025, followed by teams in Portland and Toronto in 2026. Discussions are ongoing for a potential 16th team, further solidifying the WNBA’s growth and popularity. Engelbert has expressed interest in playing preseason games overseas, similar to the NBA and top college programs, to increase global exposure for the league.

Engelbert has also highlighted the need for a longer preseason, suggesting an expansion to four full weeks to provide more practice time for players and coaches. Additionally, there is a proposal to move the WNBA draft to coincide with the NCAA Women’s Final Four, potentially increasing preseason practice time and enhancing the overall draft experience.

The commissioner’s efforts to improve the league’s visibility and support have been underscored by the WNBA’s record-breaking attendance in the 2024 season. The league has seen a significant surge in popularity, partly due to the impressive performances of rookies like Caitlin Clark and the overall talent pool within the league.

Engelbert’s leadership has been pivotal in addressing various aspects of the league, from competitive formats to global outreach and player development. Her vision for the WNBA’s future is clear, and her initiatives are expected to continue driving the league’s growth and success.