Overview
- Cathy Engelbert said Saturday that a formal search for her successor is under way with Excel Search & Advisory running sourcing and vetting while NBA boss Adam Silver and the WNBA Board of Governors retain final approval.
- Engelbert said she has been quietly working to identify candidates for three years, has submitted names to Excel and receives periodic updates from the firm.
- Reporting says Engelbert’s contract expires at the end of the season and she will not remain next year to help the incoming commissioner with the transition.
- The league has set clear priorities for the next leader: sustain recent commercial gains, expand globally, improve player safety, and complete technology projects such as the centralized replay center planned to be operational next season.
- The selection of Excel has prompted scrutiny because of the firm’s corporate ties to players and agents, producing calls for disclosure and firewalls to protect the integrity of the hiring process.