WNBA forward Sophie Cunningham told reporters this week that she has spoken several times with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who is overseeing the search for the league’s next commissioner. Cunningham described Silver as “a great guy who’s very knowledgeable and full of wisdom,” adding that hearing his perspective on the NBA has been “huge.”
Confidence in the next commissioner
While she did not name any potential candidates, Cunningham said she believes the eventual choice will be someone determined to take the WNBA to “another level than it’s already at.” She noted that the league is currently “booming” and that the new leader should aim to make it “even more booming.”
Players‑first focus
Cunningham emphasized that the next commissioner must put “players first” and foster a strong relationship with the athletes. “I think that the WNBA has always been a place for people to feel safe and comfortable,” she said. She praised the league’s diversity, calling it “absolutely awesome,” but warned that the commissioner will need to unite a varied group of stakeholders.
“My second thing is I really do think that you need a commissioner that is players first, who wants a relationship with the players,” Cunningham added. She acknowledged that the commissioner will face tough decisions, noting that “they have a job, they work for the owners, and so they’re going to have to make hard decisions.” However, she argued that open communication and mutual respect will make the partnership feel different.
Context of the leadership transition
The WNBA is preparing for its first leadership change in seven years. Current commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who became the league’s first commissioner in 2019, announced she will retire at the end of 2026 after more than four decades in business. Engelbert’s tenure coincided with unprecedented growth in attendance, television audiences, sponsorship revenue and franchise valuations. She also oversaw an expansion plan that will increase the league from 12 to 18 teams by 2030, along with new media‑rights and collective‑bargaining agreements, though her relationship with players was occasionally strained.
With the search now in full swing, the league’s owners have turned to Silver, who brings extensive experience running a major professional sports organization. Cunningham’s comments suggest optimism that the new commissioner will continue the momentum while prioritizing player welfare and unity.
What’s next?
The WNBA’s board of governors will evaluate candidates in the coming months, with a decision expected before the league’s 2027 season. As the conversation continues, players, owners and fans alike will be watching to see who will steer the league forward.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
