The WNBA announced Friday that Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire. She will step down after the 2026 season.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision. Engelbert became the WNBA's first commissioner in 2019.

She will retire after seven seasons in the role. During her time the WNBA grew and signed new media deals.

The league also expanded its operations. The WNBA plans to grow from 12 teams to 18 by 2030.

Engelbert also helped reach a deal with players. That deal included the league's first million-dollar salaries.

But some players criticized Engelbert's leadership. They questioned how she handled player safety. They also criticized her response to online harassment.