​The search firm to identify the next WNBA commissioner has been tapped, as the NBA hired Excel Search & Advisory, according to sources familiar with the process who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not permitted to discuss the hiring process publicly.The NBA and Excel, which was formerly Nolan Partners, reached an agreement about a week ago after reviewing about a dozen firms.WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who was hired in 2019, announced last month that she is retiring at the end of the calendar year. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has said calls have been flooding in, which he believes exemplifies how much more attractive the position is to potential candidates.Retaining Excel marks the first official step of the hiring process.Excel Sports Management acquired Nolan Partners in 2022 before rebranding its executive search firm as ESA. The agency’s sports management sector represents athletes across professional sports, including WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale. The firm’s portfolio includes leagues like the NFL and the NWSL and specific teams like the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Pistons.According to a memo obtained by The Athletic, which was sent to WNBA team presidents and general managers, the league focused on firms that have “significant experience” in executive search in addition to a “demonstrated commitment to and experience with women’s basketball and women’s sports.”“Our goal is to conduct an inclusive search process that involves communicating with you and receiving the input of WNBA teams, including Team Presidents and General Managers,” the memo said.Excel will be in touch with WNBA governors “in the coming weeks,” according to the memo, after which the league plans to follow up with presidents and GMs. The WNBA’s next competition meeting — which includes GMs, coaches and, under regular circumstances, Engelbert — will be held in mid-November. It’s unclear whether that meeting will be used to weigh the opinions of team stakeholders on the next commissioner.Last month, Silver said the WNBA needs a leader who will help unify “the players with the players, and the players with ownership.” The search is still in the intake stage, but there has been a heavy dose of speculation about the next commissioner.Ultimately, Silver, in partnership with the WNBA Board of Governors, will make the decision.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.WNBA, Sports Business2026 The Athletic Media Company