The Growing Conversation Around WNBA Leadership

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Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon told CNBC she believes the WNBA might need new leadership, saying the relationship between commissioner Cathy Engelbert and some players “might be too fractured at this point.” (CNBC)

WHY IT MATTERS: To be fair, Engelbert has led the league through enormous growth since becoming commissioner in 2019. She steered the league through the pandemic and secured a landmark media deal that boosted rights fees from $60M to $200M annually. She also helped negotiate the 2020 CBA, oversaw six expansion teams, rolled out league-wide charter flights, and upgraded player accommodations.

But a recurring critique remains: her strained rapport with some players. Hammon’s comments suggest that disconnect may be enough to impact the league’s long-term leadership decisions.

WNBA fans love their All-Stars, but WNBA cities are not hungry to host All-Star games. According to Front Office Sports, the Chicago Sky were the lone bidders for the 2026 WNBA All‑Star Game. The league had to recruit Indianapolis to host in 2025. And before 2024, Las Vegas hosted three out of four All‑Star Games. (Front Office Sports)

WHY IT MATTERS: The All‑Star Game is popular (the last two were sold out and set viewership records) but hosting isn’t easy. Costs are shared between the league and host team, and that burden seems to be limiting interest. It raises the question whether the WNBA should revamp the event altogether, or consider allowing cities without teams to host it.

Unrivaled has released its complete 2026 season schedule. The league returns Jan. 5 and will feature games four nights a week from Friday to Monday. A special event hits Philadelphia on Jan. 30, the 1v1 tournament begins Feb. 11, playoffs start Feb. 28, and the champion will be crowned March 4. Games will air on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.

👉 See the full schedule

WHY IT MATTERS: Year 2 of Unrivaled has more clubs, more players, and the same great accessibility to watch. With primetime windows across major networks and returning tentpole moments (like the 1v1 tournament), the league is positioning itself as real winter appointment viewing.