BREAKING: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announces retirement as controversy over men playing in league rages on

“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”

“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” said Engelbert. “In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league’s first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.”

“I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined. I am grateful to the WNBA and NBA team owners and staff, players, investors, fans and the powerhouse league office staff, who believed in what this league could become. I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come," she added.

Her retirement comes after a year of controversy in the league having to do with players beating up on star Caitlin Clark as well as the WNBA not being able define what a woman is after player Sophie Cunningham said that men should not be playing in the WNBA. The league, which has owners and coaches who have pushed transgender ideology, has been mocked by former NBA players who have claimed to become transgender and have declared themselves eligible to play in the WNBA.

During Engelbert's time as WNBA commissioner, the league expanded from 12 to 18 teams. She has been slammed for not marketing the star players of the WNBA such as Clark.

It is not yet known who will replace her when she retires.