Who should be the next WNBA Commissioner? It appears that the current Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert’s relationship with the WNBA players is irreparably damaged. This likely affects a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) from being reached by October 31st 2025, when the old one expires.
The WNBA player’s union submitted to the league specific CBA requests many months ago. Reportedly these requests were not incorporated into the draft document under negotiation. The Muse saw this tactic with state agencies seeking input to new environmental regulations. The lawyers and licensed professionals provided the regulators with technical suggestions. None were adopted. Parties talk past each other without active listening. A box is checked indicating that input was sought. Though that input was summarily ignored. It seems the same is true with the WNBA’s CBA negotiation.
Minnesota Lynx player representative, Napheesa Collier, declared that the WNBA has the “worst leadership.” For context, this was Collier also citing that the WNBA has the best league, the best players, and the best fans in the world. The worst leadership comment was directed at Cathy Engelbert. In fairness, Napheesa was seriously injured several hours prior to her announcement. Now hurt, she was out for the rest of the season. Referees made no foul call on the injurious play either. Napheesa typically has comportment, self-control, and high emotional intelligence. She is polite, thoughtful, smart, and professional. When Napheesa talks, people listen. Her words were measured and intentional.
The Commissioner reportedly made ill comments towards Indiana Fever sensation, Caitlin Clark, regarding money, salary and endorsements. For which the Commissioner subsequently denied. Cathy Engelbert did admit that she could do better at cultivating relationships with the players. The fallout from Caitlin Clark and the WNBA players was unanimous support for Napheesa Collier and her “we have the worst leadership” declaration.
The Muse believes that building relationships is learned early in Business 101. How could connecting with others or cultivating player relationships be unimportant to this commissioner? How can one not be a people person in that position?
The crux of the new CBA negotiation is revenue sharing and significantly increased salaries for players. According to a Deloitte report, WNBA revenues are projected to top $1 billion this year.
Napheesa Collier has insight into both areas as she and her husband, Alex Bazzell are founders of a new league called Unrivaled. Bazzell is its President. Unrivaled was played in Miami, FL last winter and wildly successful, as well as profitable. For WNBA players, Unrivaled was an off-season alternative to playing overseas for supplemental income. It paid players an average of $200,000. It engaged sponsors, endorsements, TV rights, and provided housing. Players had an equity stake in the league. Who other than Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell to know the accounting, profitability, and the mechanics of a league’s operations? No one.
As WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert’s days are likely numbered. She did not spend enough time cultivating relationships-especially with players. This is a crucial omission in her body of work for the league from 2019 through present. A certified public accountant by training and prior to the WNBA, Cathy Engelbert was CEO of Deloitte increasing revenue to $20 billion.
Historically commissioners represent the Owner’s interests, as well as the league’s. Losing the respect and confidence of the WNBA players represents imminent doom.
Who might be the next WNBA Commissioner? Former players were not considered as a retirement pension for them is part of the current CBA negotiation. No pension exists now, so this would be a conflict of interest. Listed below are potential candidates.
Susan Rice – former American diplomat, policy advisor, and national security advisor. Her niece is Kiki Rice, player for UCLA’s women’s basketball team. Rice attended Stanford University and Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. While at Oxford, Rice was a member of the Oxford University Women’s Basketball team.
Condoleezza Rice – former Secretary of the State, advocate for college sports, part owner of the Denver Broncos in the National Football League. Condi Rice is a competitive ice-skater, tennis player, and golfer. She is also on the college football playoff committee.
Steve Mills – former CEO and Sports Business President of Madison Square Garden (MSG). Steve Mills worked 16 years for the NBA as an account executive and corporate sponsorship after having worked at Chemical Bank. Steve left MSG and joined Magic Johnson Enterprises, where he created the Athletes & Entertainers Wealth Management Group, LLC of which he was a partner. Steve Mills played basketball in college. Steve is on the Board of Trustees of Ariel Investments, USA Basketball, and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Steve is a nice guy and spends time as a relationship builder.
Mellody Hobson – is presently the co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments. Mellody is no nonsense and results oriented. She is the former chair of DreamWorks Animation and married to George Lucas of Stars Wars fame. Mellody is listed at No. 94 of the Forbes list of the World’s 100 most powerful women. She can certainly run and grow the WNBA. Her plate may be full enough.
Barack Obama – former President of the United States. Also known as, Baller-in-Chief. The former President played on his high school team, converted the White House tennis court to a basketball full court. He is a relationship builder, adores the game, and seems to have the time and maybe interest. It would be great if its his chosen encore. If he can run the country, he can certainly run the WNBA.
Craig Robinson – brother in law to the Baller-in Chief. Craig is the executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He is a former college coach, player, with a background in business with executive roles at Continental Bank, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, and Loop Capital Markets. Craig also spent time as an NBA and G-League executive.
Bethany Donaphin – presently in charge of WNBA league operations and second in command at the WNBA. Donaphin is a Stanford graduate, with a MBA from the Wharton School of Business. She is a former NY Liberty player, which may disqualify her from consideration. She also might be too closely linked to the current Commissioner.
Sheila Johnson – is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). She is currently the CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts. She is also the co-owner of several professional sports teams – Washington Capitals (NHL); Washington Wizards (NBA); and Washington Mystics (WNBA). She has skin in the game. Being an owner, may disqualify her from consideration. But, Sheila Johnson is about bringing people together and making money. The WNBA could use an infusion of both now.
The Muse favors Steve Mills, one of the Rices, or Sheila Johnson as being the most effective next WNBA Commissioner. Though not the preferred gender, Steve Mills truly has the right background and as Tom Wolfe would say “the Right Stuff” for this task. The next WNBA commissioner will be charged with continuing unprecedented league growth, bringing people together, and leading the league from the $1 billion mark and beyond.
Steve Mills from the New York Daily News
