{"id":887868,"date":"2026-09-08T11:00:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T11:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/887868\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T11:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T11:00:12","slug":"no-retiring-here-dave-portnoy-boldly-claims-wnba-secretly-fired-commissioner-cathy-engelbert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/887868\/","title":{"rendered":"‘No retiring here…’ Dave Portnoy boldly claims WNBA secretly fired Commissioner Cathy Engelbert"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"\/ Follow us on Google Discover <\/a> <\/p>\n

Dave Portnoy made some shocking comments about WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and how her retirement came to be.<\/p>\n

Engelbert was a polarising figure among WNBA players and fans, with many criticising her for the way she handled several important issues.<\/p>\n

Whether it be her almost causing a lockout in the WNBA or her supposed lack of response to the trans athlete debate, Engelbert has certainly not made herself a favourite among the WNBA faithful.<\/p>\n

\"WNBAPhoto by Geoff Stellfox\/Getty ImagesDave Portnoy says WNBA allowed Cathy Engelbert to say she retired to avoid firing humiliation<\/p>\n

Speaking on Wake Up Barstool, Dave Portnoy, the president of Barstool Sports, alleged that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert\u2019s recent retirement is the WNBA allowing her to leave with dignity, as she was actually fired.<\/p>\n

Portnoy also explained why Engelbert\u2019s time as commissioner was a profound failure, and why she is disliked by so many players.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a stupid question, because there\u2019s no way they would ever hire me. But I would do it in a heartbeat. I would be happy to do it. I think there is still a ton of growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as Engelbert\u2019s decision to retire, that is a lie! They gave her the dignity of saying she was going to retire. There is no retiring here. She was fired.<\/p>\n

\u201cI assume, actually, the Indiana Fever coach will probably be fired at the end of the season as well. I\u2019ve got a few birdies in my ear as well.<\/p>\n

MORE DAVE PORTNOY STORIES<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has done nothing to help this league, really. The league is successful despite itself because of the overwhelming interest in Caitlin Clark. In that regard, she is sort of like the commissioner of the NFL. It grows and grows despite Goodell being inept. They had to get rid of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have got to get somebody to get this league to get along and put the issues that are dominating the headlines, whether it be \u2018Can a man play in the sport?\u2019, race relations, and get it a bit more back on basketball. She was fired. There\u2019s not much to it. She was deservedly fired.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the players hate her guts doesn\u2019t matter what side you\u2019re on. Nobody likes her. She was forced out, and the writing was on the wall when the NBA commissioner basically said she has got to get things under control. Not surprising at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Engelbert announced her retirement on Friday, September 4th, and revealed that she would be leaving her position as commissioner at the end of the current season.<\/p>\n

There is no word yet on who will replace her as the commissioner of the league, but an announcement could come as soon as the end of the month.<\/p>\n

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