The 2025 CBA would be monumental and paradigm-shifting for the league. These were the words of WNA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who led the 2020 CBA and is seeking to address the remaining gaps in the ongoing discussion.
According to reports, the WNBA tabled a new proposal with a maximum salary of $1.1 million in the league and several other perks. Although the offer seems generous enough (considering previous proposals) and slightly in line with the WNBPA’s demands, it makes it feasible for the parties to agree on a solution.
But as per ESPN’s analyst, Elle Duncan, this could be Engelbert’s final CBA in the league, who claimed that the change is imminent.
ESPN Analyst Suggests That Cathy Engelbert’s Time At WNBA Is Nearly Over
The CBA negotiation is one of the key topics that the WNBA commissioner is currently handling, but she has been under fire for multiple ‘wrong decisions’. Officiating irregularities, the way WNBA dealt with the Connecticut Sun’s ongoing sale talks, and the physicality in the league. Yet, according to ESPN’s analyst, Engelbert will have time until the CBA negotiations are done.
“I do believe [Engelbert being replaced is] coming. I do not believe anything is going to happen until they can get this new CBA ratified, because that’s ridiculous to have someone in high-level conversations, and then to bail right when we’re actually reaching critical time in the space, I think, is asinine. So I don’t anticipate any change happening before then. But I do anticipate a change coming,” Duncan said. Even the WNBA trophy presentation ceremony revealed the Commissioner’s unpopularity among fans.
Cathy Engelbert… definitely not a popular commissioner right now, per @fullcourtpass
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 11, 2025
The entire arena fires boos at her. pic.twitter.com/zvRcojOef8
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The signs are against the current WNBA commissioner, who faced criticism from every direction. Players, fans, analysts, and even some authorities within the WNBA claimed that she failed to build good relations with players. So even after successful CBA negotiations, the 61-year-old executive could be on her way out.
The initial sign was Napheesa Collier’s fiery speech, which questioned the accountability of the league commissioner, a serious allegation. Many players sided with the Lynx forward, strengthening her quotes.
Cathy Engelbert Failed In Building Relationships
A key issue in the CBA delay and a possible solution was trust in the Commissioner, which was never present from the WNBPA. The association presented itself as a united front against Engelbert, and the Collaborative Bargaining agreement became the medium through which they could attack the authority.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also mentioned that there is a ‘relationship’ issue that needs attention, and ESPN’s analysts highlighted that the time is against Engelbert to make some corrections to the already broken bridge. A’ja Wilson even publicly sent relationship-building advice to Cathy Engelbert amid growing criticism, which was (in reality) an indirect jab at the Commissioner.
Fans are also eager for changes in the league, and only time will tell how things shape up in the future and who takes the ‘hot seat’ after Engelbert.