A search firm with deep personal ties to the WNBA's biggest star has been tapped to help find the league's next leader, raising both excitement and questions about the process.

The NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory to lead the search for the next WNBA commissioner, multiple sources confirmed, formally launching a process expected to culminate in a decision by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, likely before or shortly after the end of the calendar year.

Excel Search & Advisory is the executive search arm of Excel Sports Management, and the firm has deep ties to the WNBA. 

As posted by Hoops Hype, it represents Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, and has handled jersey patch deals for the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, and Dallas Wings. It's also assisted numerous professional basketball teams with C-suite hiring.

Current WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is scheduled to retire at the end of December 2026 after more than seven years in the role. Engelbert, the first person to hold the formal title of commissioner rather than president, oversaw a period of explosive growth.

Still, her tenure drew sustained criticism over strained relationships with players, coaches, and especially Clark, whose arrival reshaped the league's commercial profile.

Both the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors will weigh in on the hire. The NBA and its 30 teams are projected to own roughly 80 percent of the WNBA once three additional expansion franchises arrive, though Adam Silver retains final authority. 

Excel's track record in sports executive placement extends well beyond the WNBA, having filled senior roles across the NBA, NFL, and international soccer. The firm rebranded from Nolan Partners after Excel Sports Management acquired it in 2022.

As per Silver, the job is more attractive now than when Engelbert was hired in 2019, and interest from potential candidates has already been strong

Who is in the conversation for the next WNBA commissioner?

Several names have emerged as potential successors to Cathy Engelbert, who retires at the end of 2026. The search, led by Excel Search & Advisory with final approval from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, has drawn interest from former players, team executives, and outside business leaders.

As per the same article, Swin Cash is frequently mentioned, with her front-office experience at the Liberty and Pelicans making her someone seen as understanding both the locker room and the business side. Nneka Ogwumike, the longtime Sparks forward and WNBPA president, also comes up often given her leadership within the players' association and deep familiarity with league issues.

On the executive side, Liberty CEO Keia Clarke is considered a strong internal candidate, having worked in both NBA and WNBA league offices while running one of the league's most successful franchises. Valkyries president Jess Smith has also drawn interest for her role building a new expansion team.

Beyond those figures, speculation includes corporate and sports business leaders, with names like Nike executive Tanya Hvizdak and various league-office veterans floated. Most realistic conversations, though, center on people already connected to women's basketball or professional sports management.

Do you think hiring a firm connected to Clark could influence the direction of the league's next commissioner search? 

Written by

Zaid Quraishi