Caitlin Expectations

Cathy Engelbert wnba
Cathy Engelbert has driven a multi-dimensional overhaul of the WNBA—dramatically expanding the league office, savvily capitalizing on the popularity of star rookies and players, and bringing millions of new fans into the fold. Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images
John Ourand
September 12, 2024

The WNBA is enjoying a renaissance season. TV ratings and game attendance are both way up, new stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are firmly planted in the cultural firmament, and perhaps most notably, the league just negotiated a once-unthinkable $200 million per year media rights deal alongside the NBA. In short, if you’re a fan of the league, you’re happy that Cathy Engelbert is at the helm. The former Deloitte C.E.O. has driven a multi-dimensional overhaul of the W—dramatically expanding the league office, savvily capitalizing on the popularity of star rookies and players, and bringing millions of new fans into the fold. In this candid conversation with Cathy, which has been edited and condensed (listen to our full debrief on last Sunday’s episode of The Varsity podcast), we discussed all that and more.