Cathy Engelbert: The Story of the WNBA Commissioner

Cathy Engelbert is the first WNBA Commissioner. She is a leader, a businesswoman, and a person who has changed women’s sports. Her life shows how hard work and vision can make history. But her job has not always been easy. Many players and fans have praised her, while others have raised questions about her comments and decisions.

Early Life and Family

Cathy was born on November 14, 1964. That makes her 60 now. She grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey, in a big family with five brothers and two sisters.

Sports were always part of her life. She played basketball and lacrosse at Lehigh University. She was not just a player—she became team captain. That early love for sports helped shape her future.

Cathy later got married. Her husband is a West Point graduate. Together, they have two children, Julia and Thomas. She talks about her family sometimes, but she also keeps her personal life private.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images – Source

Cathy Engelbert at Deloitte

After finishing school, Cathy became an accountant. She started working at Deloitte in 1986. For more than 30 years, she stayed with the company. She worked hard and kept moving up.

In 2015, Cathy made history. She became the first female CEO of a Big Four accounting firm. At Deloitte, she was in charge of over 100,000 people. The company grew a lot during her time. She also pushed for better technology and support for workers.

This success made her a trusted leader.

From Business to Basketball

In 2019, Cathy got a new job. She became the first WNBA Commissioner. Before her, the WNBA only had “presidents.” Being commissioner gave her more power to make changes.

Her big goals were:

• Grow the league
  
• Bring in new sponsors
  
• Improve TV deals
  
• Make players’ salaries better
  
• Add more teams
  

Since then, the WNBA Cathy Engelbert leads has seen more fans and higher value. She has added teams in new cities like San Francisco and Toronto. She wants the league to keep growing across the U.S. and beyond.

Cathy Engelbert Salary and Net Worth

Money is often a question fans ask. During her time at Deloitte, Cathy made millions. Reports say her salary at Deloitte was very high.

In the WNBA, her salary is not fully public, but it is less than what she made before. Still, she earns well. Some reports say her net worth is around $5 million. This number may not be exact, but it shows she is one of the more successful leaders in sports.

Caitlin Clark with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the 2024 WNBA Draft. — Source: Brad Penner

Cathy Engelbert Height and Dress

People search for details like Cathy Engelbert height or what she wears. Her exact height is not listed in most sources.

When it comes to style, Cathy is known for her dress choices at big events. At WNBA games in New York, her dress or business suits often get attention. She keeps her look professional, which fits her role as commissioner.

Controversies and Comments

Being a leader also brings problems. Cathy has faced some.

• Some fans asked: “Was Cathy Engelbert fired?” The answer is no. She has not been fired or suspended. She is still commissioner.
  
• In 2025, Napheesa Collier said Cathy made hurtful comments. Collier claimed Cathy told Caitlin Clark she should “be grateful” to the WNBA. Many saw this as disrespect.
  
• Stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are often linked to these debates. Fans and players want more pay and more respect.
  
• At an All-Star event, Cathy was even booed by some fans when she spoke.
  

These moments show the pressure of leading a league that is still growing.

Cathy Engelbert News Today

Cathy is still active in the news. She talks about the future of the league. A big issue now is the new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). She calls it “transformational.” She wants to make sure players earn more, but also that the league stays strong and does not lose money.

Key Facts About Cathy Engelbert

• Age: 60
  
• Role: First WNBA Commissioner
  
• Past Job: CEO of Deloitte
  
• Husband: West Point graduate
  
• Children: Julia and Thomas
  
• Net Worth: Around $5 million
  
• Known For: Strong leadership, but also some controversial comments
  

Conclusion

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner is one of the most powerful women in sports. She made history at Deloitte and is now shaping the WNBA. She has grown the league, added new teams, and made it more popular.

Still, her time has not been easy. Some players, like Collier, Reese, and Clark, want more change and respect. Cathy’s comments have caused debates. But she remains focused on the future of the WNBA.

Whether people search for Cathy Engelbert husband, salary, net worth, dress, or age, one thing is clear: Cathy Engelbert is a leader who changed both business and basketball.