Cathy Engelbert

Cathy Engelbert serves as the first Commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association, where she leads the league’s strategic, business, and global growth initiatives. Since joining the WNBA in 2019, Engelbert has focused on expanding the league’s visibility, strengthening economic sustainability, and advancing player-centered priorities. Her leadership helped secure a landmark collective bargaining agreement designed to improve player compensation, benefits, and professional opportunities while supporting long-term league development.

Engelbert previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte, where she led the largest accounting and consulting organization in the United States, overseeing more than 100,000 professionals. She made history as the first female CEO of a Big Four professional services firm after more than three decades with the company.

As WNBA Commissioner, Engelbert has worked to accelerate revenue diversification, attract external investment, and modernize the league’s commercial framework. Her efforts include raising capital from outside investors to support league transformation projects and strengthening partnerships that support women’s professional basketball.

Engelbert serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including McDonald's Corporation, Royalty Pharma, and the United States Golf Association Executive Committee. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and other business and leadership organizations promoting inclusive workplace advancement.

Engelbert has been recognized on multiple power and leadership lists, including Fortune’s Most Powerful Women rankings and Forbes’ 50 Over 50 list. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Lehigh University and is the mother of two children, reflecting her advocacy for professional and family balance.