On Monday night, the WNBA celebrated a major milestone, kicking off its landmark 30th season with the 2026 WNBA Draft. The event was a powerful symbol of the league's growth, arriving just weeks after players and owners ratified a transformative new collective bargaining agreement.
The night was filled with historic moments that signal a new era. Azzi Fudd, selected first overall by the Dallas Wings, is set to earn a staggering $500,000 in her rookie season—a figure that doubles last year's supermax salary. The draft also welcomed the inaugural classes for the league's two new expansion franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, adding fresh excitement and geographic reach.
Before the festivities began, however, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the podium for a wide-ranging pre-draft press conference. This marked her first major media address since a defiant appearance during last October's WNBA Finals, which came on the heels of public criticism from star player Napheesa Collier. While the backdrop this time was far more positive, following the landmark CBA deal, the 30-minute session still had its pointed moments.
Engelbert fielded questions on several key topics shaping the league's future. When asked about her own tenure following recent comments from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, she redirected the focus back to the league itself. "I do crack up about how everyone's focused on me," Engelbert stated, "and you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself."
She continued, hinting at a double standard in sports leadership questions, "I wonder whether you would ask that of a man? I realize as women we get asked different questions than men do. But I'm so proud of this league and we are working really hard to make our 30th season our best ever." Concluding on the topic, she firmly stated, "Nothing else to report... There is no story here. I'm thrilled with our trajectory."
Beyond her future, Engelbert discussed the critical CBA negotiations, the ongoing work of the league's officiating task force, and the recent sale of the Connecticut Sun. Each topic underscores the dynamic period of growth and change the WNBA is experiencing as it builds on its rising popularity and strives for a sustainable economic model for its athletes and teams.