While the WNBA is celebrating a massive $76 million sponsorship deal, an even more shocking story is unfolding behind the scenes, directly involving NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. He is seen as the “invisible hand” guiding the WNBA, and the ongoing crisis with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is now reflecting directly on him. Sources close to the NBA reveal that Silver is preparing to intervene, not to rescue Engelbert, but to protect his own reputation from any potential “collateral damage.” The issue is no longer about the commissioner’s position; it’s a high-stakes power play, orchestrated by one of the most influential figures in sports. Discover how the fate of the WNBA is truly being decided within the NBA’s shadowy executive offices.

A firestorm has erupted within the Women’s National Basketball Association, placing its leadership directly in the crosshairs of public and private scrutiny. At the center of it all is Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, whose future with the league is now the subject of intense speculation. What began as a pointed critique from a star player has snowballed into a full-blown crisis of confidence, with reports of dissatisfaction echoing from the players’ locker rooms to the owners’ suites. Despite a period of unprecedented financial growth for the WNBA, the foundation of its leadership appears to be cracking under the weight of internal dissent and strategic power plays. The core issue now revolves around the stability of the Cathy Engelbert job, with many insiders suggesting that a significant change is not just possible, but imminent. The situation has become so volatile that it threatens to draw in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, a development that could accelerate Engelbert’s departure as the NBA seeks to protect its own brand and steer its sister league through turbulent waters. The coming weeks may prove decisive for the future direction of the WNBA and the person chosen to lead it.

The “Pipe Bomb” That Shook the WNBA

The controversy ignited when Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier delivered a stunning public rebuke of the league’s front office. In a moment that has since been described as a “pipe bomb,” Collier called the WNBA’s leadership the “worst in the world,” a comment that instantly validated long-simmering frustrations among players. Her words painted a picture of a commissioner who was perceived as uncaring and more interested in receiving praise for the league’s growth than in addressing the concerns of its athletes. This public dissent from a respected player like Napheesa Collier was not just a random outburst; it was a calculated move that has seemingly set in motion a tidal wave of consequences. According to sources cited by The Athletic, Collier’s comments may have simply accelerated a change that was “already coming.” The sentiment she expressed is reportedly shared by many of her peers, creating a unified front of player dissatisfaction that the league can no longer ignore.

A Commissioner Without Allies: Owners and Players Dissent

Perhaps more damaging to the Cathy Engelbert job security is the reported erosion of support from the very people she works for: the franchise owners. A commissioner’s power is derived from the confidence of the owners they represent, and signs indicate that this confidence is waning. Behind the scenes, powerful figures who own both NBA and WNBA franchises are reportedly among those who “would not mind a new commissioner.” This quiet withdrawal of support is a critical blow. When the owners, who are primarily focused on revenue and stability, begin to lose faith, a commissioner’s position becomes untenable. An article in The Athletic amplified these concerns, with a headline that bluntly stated, “Cathy Engelbert’s not the WNBA’s future. Soon the commissioner may not even be its present.” This suggests her allies are “harder to find than a salad at a barbecue,” leaving her in an isolated and precarious position within the WNBA leadership structure.

Financial Growth Isn’t Enough

On paper, Engelbert’s tenure has been marked by impressive financial achievements. Under her watch, the WNBA secured “ $75 mi ll i o n “ ini t s f i rs t - e v erc a p i t a l r ai se in 2022 an d g e n er a t e d ana dd i t i o na l “$ 925 million” in new franchise fees. In 2024 alone, the league brought in another “$76 million” in sponsorship revenue. These are significant accomplishments for a league that has historically struggled for profitability. However, these figures have not been enough to build a loyal base of support. What Napheesa Collier’s critique exposed is that financial growth alone cannot sustain a leader. Engelbert “hasn’t amassed significant favor from either side of the proverbial aisle,” meaning neither the players nor the owners have fully rallied behind her. This reveals a fundamental disconnect between her corporate successes and her ability to inspire confidence and loyalty.

The Adam Silver Factor: How NBA’s Shadow Looms Large

The WNBA does not operate in a vacuum. Commissioner Engelbert reports directly to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and the NBA itself holds significant ownership stakes in the WNBA, making it the “unofficial primary owners.” This dynamic places Silver in a powerful, albeit complex, position. He is described as the “invisible hand over it all,” and as the controversy around Engelbert grows, the spotlight inevitably begins to shift in his direction. This is where the situation becomes critical for Engelbert. Observers believe that Adam Silver will not tolerate taking “shrapnel” or “collateral damage” for the WNBA’s internal problems. The moment the criticism of Engelbert starts to tarnish Silver’s reputation, he is expected to act swiftly. Firing her would allow him to swoop in as a “savior,” decisively addressing the league’s issues and protecting his own standing with the NBA owners, who reportedly love him. His primary allegiance is to the NBA, and he is unlikely to risk his own cachet for a struggling subordinate.

Concerns Over Leadership and Communication

A central theme in the criticism against Engelbert is her interpersonal and communication skills. According to multiple sources, a chief complaint revolves around her “people skills.” She is described as not being the “easiest communicator to reach” and can be “tonedeaf” or “underwhelming” when explaining sensitive issues. In a league that is as socially and politically active as the WNBA, having an “ideal communicator” at the helm is paramount. The role of a WNBA commissioner requires charisma and the ability to “win the room” and “move the masses”—qualities that sources say Engelbert lacks. This perceived weakness is magnified when compared to the suave and confident style of Adam Silver. The contrast makes it understandable why owners and players, accustomed to Silver’s approach, would be uninspired by Engelbert’s leadership style.

In conclusion, the future of the Cathy Engelbert job as WNBA Commissioner appears to be on life support, sustained only by the timing of an inevitable decision. The powerful combination of public player dissent, led by Napheesa Collier, and quiet dissatisfaction from franchise owners has created an untenable environment for the current leadership. While her tenure has produced notable financial gains, her inability to cultivate strong relationships and inspire confidence has left her without a crucial support system. The final catalyst for change will likely be Adam Silver. As the controversy increasingly implicates his oversight, the pressure for him to intervene will become immense. To protect his own reputation and stabilize the WNBA, a change at the top seems not just a possibility, but a necessity. The question is no longer if a change will happen, but when, and who will be chosen to steer the league into its next chapter.