Engelbert said that creating a better player experience in the WNBA is a top priority for herNBAE/getty images
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert assumes her role next week, and despite a "tough road ahead, Engelbert is optimistic about the future," according to Madeline Kenney of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. WNBA players are currently "fighting for higher wages, transparency with league revenue and better means of travel." Engelbert said that creating a "better player experience is a top priority for her." She said, "(Those issues) can be solved with the business-model changes that we're anxious to get started on." Kenney noted the WNBA has "made great strides over the last few months," after landing AT&T as its first non-apparel league-wide sponsorship and reaching a multiyear TV deal with CBS Sports Network. Still, Engelbert said that progress "needs to be made if the league wants to be financially sustainable on its own" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/11). In Philadelphia, Mike Jensen noted Engelbert believes the WNBA has been "ahead of the curve in so many areas, on and off the court." She said the league has a "coolness factor," and the WNBA players have "strong social awareness." Jensen noted her appointment "comes at a crucial juncture." Meanwhile, Engelbert said Philadelphia would be "on the list" as a potential expansion city if the WNBA was in the market for one (INQUIRER.com, 7/11).
