WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Looks to Internationalize the Game After Labor Deal
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert aims to expand beyond North America and play exhibition games abroad by 2029. She believes players have expressed that securing a home was important during negotiations.
The WNBA is in its third decade of success, with a new collective bargaining agreement and lucrative free agency periods fueling growth. However, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s mind has already turned to the future. She believes the league should expand beyond North America and even play exhibition games abroad by 2029.
Engelbert expressed confidence in her relationship with players after an arduous offseason. The CBA negotiations were a turning point for both sides, but Engelbert is proud of their historic achievement together. The new deal will phase out housing support for all players under the old CBA, but teams will continue to provide housing for those making less than $500,000 starting with the 2029 season.
Players have clearly expressed that securing a home was important to them, and Engelbert listened closely. Engelbert also addressed her own future in the league, saying she wasn’t interested in discussing her job status.