'The League is Moving in Slow Motion' - ESPN Legend Underlines Frustration With WNBA's Commissioner Search Brandon Taylor · Pro Football Network Sun, November 15, 2026 at 9:55 PM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WNBA is turning the page after a historic season and will now look to carry the momentum into the off-season ahead of next year. One of the biggest stories this off-season is who will replace Cathy Engelbert as WNBA commissioner.
While Engelbert is retiring at the end of 2026, there is still uncertainty over her replacement. ESPN legend Linda Cohn has now shared her views the topic.
While discussing the situation on her show, Cohn said, "I mean, the league is moving in slow motion with naming a new commissioner. What's gonna happen first? The Indiana Fever are going to name their new general manager, or is the WNBA finally going to name their new commissioner?"
Cohn also addressed Engelbert's intent to serve as commissioner past her retirement date if the search hasn't been finalized yet, saying, "Brace yourselves, people, brace yourselves. That could happen." Cohn recognizes that Engelbert continuing to serve as commissioner is a worst-case scenario for many fans.
Engelbert will conclude her seven-plus-year tenure as WNBA commissioner at the end of the year. Under Engelbert, the league negotiated multiple collective-bargaining agreements, including the landmark 2026 deal.
The 62-year-old helped secure landmark media-rights agreements and negotiate collective-bargaining agreements that significantly increased player salaries and benefits, while franchise valuations also reached historic highs during her tenure.
She also helped improve player travel and secure other benefits players have sought for years.
Engelbert's relationships with players also became a public issue. A'ja Wilson said her only relationship with Engelbert was when the commissioner handed her awards, while Napheesa Collier publicly criticized Engelbert's professional leadership.
Cohn believes that the WNBA should show greater urgency in its search for a new Commissioner. She also addressed one of the league's other key off-season storylines: the future of the Indiana Fever front office and whether there could be any correlation there.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the WNBA Board of Governors will ultimately select the league's next commissioner.
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Some of the rumored potential candidates include Hall of Famer Swin Cash, New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke, WNBA Senior Vice President and Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, and recently retired star and current WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike.
With the WNBA moving to a 50-game regular season next year and welcoming a potentially historic rookie class, Cohn is urging the league to find a new commissioner to ensure the main storylines involve the players.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
Source: Sports
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