Adam Silver’s private call to Sophie Cunningham reveals how powerful her voice has become
The Fever guard was already one of the WNBA’s most visible and polarizing players, but nobody knew the NBA commissioner was listening to her
S ophie Cunningham has attracted attention for refusing to back down, protecting her teammates and playing every possession with an edge. Her basketball ability, athletic figure and growing media presence have also made her one of the WNBA’s most recognizable players.
What nobody knew was that her voice had become important enough for NBA commissioner Adam Silver to call her privately.
Cunningham revealed that she has spoken with Silver “a couple times” about the future of the WNBA and the search for Cathy Engelbert’s replacement. Silver reportedly contacted Cunningham through a connection with her agents, who are close to the commissioner.
Why did Adam Silver call Sophie Cunningham?
There is no public evidence that Cunningham and Silver are personal friends. Their relationship appears to be professional, but the conversation shows how much her influence has grown. Cunningham is no longer simply the fearless Fever player who became famous for defending Caitlin Clark. She has become one of the league’s loudest and most closely watched voices.
Neither side has revealed everything that was said. The NBA declined to discuss the conversation, while Cunningham offered one intriguing answer: “If you want to know the real answers, you go to him.”
She did reveal what she wants from the next WNBA commissioner: someone who puts players first, communicates with them and can unite a league filled with different personalities and beliefs. She also believes Silver wants a leader capable of taking the WNBA’s explosive growth to another level.
Cunningham did not name a preferred candidate, and it remains unclear whether Silver directly asked her to choose one. But the call itself may say more than any name could. One of basketball’s most powerful executives wanted to hear what she thought and Sophie Cunningham now has his ear.
