Because the WNBA races by means of a landmark free company interval, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is already trying past North America.
Talking earlier than Monday’s draft, Engelbert mentioned the league is focusing on its first recreation abroad in 2027, both as an exhibition or regular-season fixture. The WNBA expanded to Toronto this season, its first franchise outdoors america.
“We’re closely taking a look at that,” Engelbert mentioned. “Clearly this yr we now have the FIBA World Cup. Subsequent yr we count on that we’ll do one thing outdoors of North America as a real world recreation.”
The league welcomed its 2026 draft class days after a historic free company window opened, that includes its first million-dollar contracts.
“I’m fairly emotional seeing 23 million-dollar contracts signed solely two days into free company,” Engelbert mentioned. “Now these gamers can construct actual generational wealth.”
Engelbert brushed apart questions on her future.
“I do crack up, everybody’s targeted on me and you have to be targeted on the a whole bunch and 1000’s of ladies who run this league outdoors of myself,” she mentioned.
“I’m wondering when you would ask that of a person?”
She added she was “thrilled with the trajectory, progress and was actually trying ahead to the following few years.”
The Board of Governors is but to approve the proposed sale of the Connecticut Solar to Houston Rockets proprietor Tilman Fertitta. Engelbert mentioned particulars round a possible transfer to Houston could be addressed later.
The league can also be finalising its new collective bargaining settlement, estimated at 400-500 pages, that includes report wage will increase, housing advantages, 401(ok) contributions and assist for former gamers.
A state-of-the-game process drive has additionally been arrange, together with a concentrate on officiating.
“You’ll see some modifications round physicality this yr,” she mentioned.
Coaching camps open Sunday, with the season tipping off Could 8.
Printed on Apr 15, 2026