WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announces first international game planned for 2027
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks at the start of the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The WNBA is setting its sights on global expansion. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced before Monday night’s draft that the league is actively pursuing its first game outside North America, scheduled for 2027. This ambitious move comes as the WNBA continues its international growth, having already expanded to Toronto this season with its first franchise outside the United States.
« We’re heavily looking at that, » Engelbert said of playing either an exhibition or regular-season game overseas. « Obviously this year we have the FIBA World Cup. Next year we expect that we’ll do something outside of North America as a true global game. »
Historic contracts mark new era for player compensation
The announcement comes during a watershed moment for the league, with free agency delivering unprecedented financial milestones. The WNBA welcomed its 2026 draft class just days after a historic free agency period that featured the league’s first million-dollar contracts.
« I’m pretty emotional seeing 23 million-dollar contracts signed only two days into free agency, » Engelbert said. « Now these players can build real generational wealth. »
The transformational collective bargaining agreement, still being finalized in its 400 to 500-page long form, includes record salary increases, housing adjustments for players, 401(k) contributions and money for former players. Despite 80% of players being free agents this offseason, the condensed timeline has created a flurry of signings ahead of training camps opening Sunday.
When questioned about her future as commissioner, Engelbert deflected with pointed remarks about gender bias in sports leadership. « I do crack up, everyone’s focused on me and you should be focused on the hundreds and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself, » she said. « I wonder if you would ask that of a man? » The commissioner expressed enthusiasm about the league’s trajectory and her commitment to the coming years.
Other significant developments include the pending Board of Governors approval for the Connecticut Sun‘s sale to Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets. Engelbert praised Connecticut as « the center of women’s basketball » while hoping fans continue supporting the team. Additionally, a new state-of-the-game task force addressing officiating will implement changes around physicality this season. « You’ll see some changes around physicality this year, » Engelbert noted. « It’s going to be a physical game, we got to draw lines around physicality. »
The regular season tips off May 8, marking another milestone in the WNBA‘s rapid evolution.
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