The wait is over, and the WNBA has a new president. Well, check that. Commissioner. Cathy Engelbert was appointed as the first ever commissioner of the league in a press conference earlier today.
A message from Cathy Engelbert, the first-ever WNBA Commissioner ???? pic.twitter.com/Nbw7mW0MJW
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2019
Engelbert brings a highly impressive resume with over 30 years of experience in the business field. She is currently the CEO of Deloitte and the first women to lead a Big Four professional services firm in the United States. Her tenure with the WNBA will begin on July 17.
"Cathy is a world-class business leader with a deep connection to women's basketball, which makes her the ideal person to lead the WNBA into its next phase of growth, said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "The WNBA will benefit significantly from her more than 30 years of business and operational experience including revenue generation, sharp entrepreneurial instincts, and proven management abilities."
Engelbert's roots run deep in business and basketball. She attended Lehigh University where she was a member of the basketball and lacrosse teams. Her coach? She played for none other than current Notre Dame head coach and National Champion, Muffet McGraw. Engelbert's father achieved significant success on the court at Saint Joseph's University and played in the NBA after being drafted by the Detroit Pistons.
"It is an absolute privilege to be joining the WNBA at such an exciting and important time in history," said Engelbert per release. "I see tremendous opportunity to bolster visibility for the sport of women's basketball, empower the players, and enhance fan engagement. I look forward to using my business expertise and passion for basketball to promote women in the game and beyond.
The WNBA is set to officially tip-off their 23rd season on May 24.
