Engelbert Tips Off All-Star Weekend with Bold Vision and Candid Conversation
On the eve of one of the most anticipated nights in women’s basketball, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the podium at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to set the tone for a weekend full of star power, splashy performances, and substantial progress for the league. Much like the players she represents, Engelbert delivered with poise and precision, fielding a wide range of questions with the same confidence as a shooter sinking a logo three.
Engelbert opened by thanking the media, partners, players, and especially the Indiana Fever and Simon family for rolling out the orange carpet in a city she called “buzzing with basketball energy.” She praised the Fever and Pacers organizations for hosting what she called the most dynamic All-Star experience yet — a full-court press of fan activations, community impact, and unforgettable memories.
She credited corporate “changemakers” such as AT&T, Ally, Nike, and Deloitte for their continued investment in the league, likening them to teammates that help keep the scoreboard moving in the right direction. She also celebrated record-shattering engagement metrics: viewership up 23%, attendance up 26%, merchandise sales up 40%, and All-Star voting doubling over last year. “Sold-out arenas are becoming routine,” Engelbert beamed, noting the playoff-like atmospheres she witnessed in recent Boston and New York games.
Officiating, Expansion, and the CBA: No Fouls Dodged
In true commissioner fashion, Engelbert didn’t shy away from some tougher topics either. Asked about ongoing chatter around officiating quality, Engelbert acknowledged the feedback and confirmed that the league continually reviews calls, invests in training, and strives for greater consistency — even as she pointed out that no sport is immune to debates about whistles. “We’re on it,” she assured, committing to keep the officials’ performance in step with the league’s rising level of play.
On the subject of expansion — both in teams and in roster sizes — Engelbert reiterated the league’s ambitious plans. With Toronto and Portland joining the fold in 2026 and Golden State already thriving, the WNBA is on track to grow to 18 teams by 2030. She confirmed that the rules for the upcoming two-team expansion draft would be collectively bargained and that discussions about larger roster sizes are also part of the ongoing CBA negotiations.
Regarding those negotiations, Engelbert struck a hopeful note, calling the latest meeting with players “constructive and candid” despite some player frustration over the pace of progress. While she wouldn’t promise a new deal by the October 31 target, she expressed confidence that both sides want a transformational agreement and are committed to the process.
Paint the Town Orange — and Global
Engelbert also spotlighted the WNBA’s growing global ambitions and its emphasis on community impact. She touted the “Line ‘Em Up” campaign, which is painting WNBA three-point lines on public courts across the country — including several here in Indy — to inspire the next generation.
She announced the launch of the WNBA’s first-ever HBCU Intern Program and noted how initiatives like Changemaker Day, youth clinics, and volunteer events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are helping the league “paint the town orange” in ways that go far beyond the box score.
Asked what comes next for her personally after this CBA is done, Engelbert didn’t hesitate: she wants to take the league global. The idea isn’t just about playing games overseas, she clarified, but making WNBA players household names around the world. “That’s the next big one,” she said, adding that the league is also focused on smart growth through data, fan engagement, and strengthening its corporate partnerships.
Looking Ahead — And Staying Grounded
On scheduling questions, Engelbert explained the challenges of balancing a longer season with international competitions like the Olympics and FIBA World Cup, promising to keep the league’s May-to-October “sweet spot” while remaining flexible in years when international events extend the calendar slightly.
Injuries, she noted, are always monitored but have not significantly increased compared to last year, despite several high-profile absences this All-Star weekend. And with more rookies, more stars, and more fans demanding even more action, she didn’t rule out expanding All-Star festivities in the future to showcase even more talent.
From officiating to expansion, revenue sharing to global dreams, Engelbert left no topic off-limits, proving she’s not just a commissioner but a captain, setting a fast break pace for the WNBA’s future.
“Tonight we celebrate the players, the fans, and this league’s unstoppable momentum,” she said to close the session. And with a packed house ready for Team Clark vs. Team Collier, Indianapolis once again cemented its reputation as the heartbeat of hoops — with Engelbert calling the plays from the sideline.