Sophie Cunningham reveals talks with Adam Silver on WNBA Commissioner search
Cunningham says the league needs a commissioner who can unite players and continue its rapid growth
Sophie Cunningham has revealed that she’s spoken with NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the search for the next leader of the WNBA , offering a glimpse into what she hopes the league’s next chapter will look like.
The Indiana Fever guard said Silver reached out to her and that the pair have spoken several times.
Although Cunningham didn’t reveal specific details about the candidates being considered, she praised Silver’s knowledge and said his perspective gave her valuable insight into the direction of the search.
“He was very knowledgeable and full of wisdom and so getting to talk to him and hear his perspective of how he approaches the NBA is huge, who he's kind of looking for,” said Cunningham .
“I think if you want to know the real answers, you go to him. But I think he's going to put someone in place who really wants to take our league to another level than it's already at.
“Our league is booming, so why would we not (want) someone who's going to make it even more booming?”
Cathy Engelbert, who has served as commissioner since 2019, is set to leave her position at the end of the year after overseeing a period of significant expansion for the league.
The WNBA has experienced substantial increases in attention, television audiences, ticket demand and merchandise sales in recent seasons. The arrival of Caitlin Clark, who was selected first overall by Indiana in 2024, has further accelerated the league’s growing popularity.
Cunningham wants a leader who can unite the WNBA
The Fever guard believes the league needs a commissioner who can bring together players, teams and fans despite their differences.
“But I do think with that you need someone who's going to unite everybody because it can be so different. But that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. I think it makes it a lot of fun,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham has become a controversial figure because of her outspoken views on transgender participation in women’s sports, which have generated both support and criticism.
Despite that controversy, she says the diversity of opinions and backgrounds within the WNBA can be one of its greatest strengths. She wants the league’s next leader to recognize those differences while creating a sense of common purpose.
Cunningham acknowledged that the commissioner ultimately works on behalf of the league’s owners and will sometimes have to make difficult decisions that players don’t agree with.
However, she believes those disagreements can be handled more effectively when there’s mutual respect and regular communication.
She also suggested that the league should continue examining its schedule and consider whether back-to-back games provide the best possible product for players and fans.
While she recognized that a demanding schedule can contribute to higher salaries, she questioned whether more recovery time could improve the quality of basketball.
Engelbert leaves behind several notable achievements, including a new media rights agreement, a new collective bargaining agreement and expanded charter travel for WNBA teams. The league is also continuing to grow, with expansion plans expected to bring the WNBA to 18 teams by 2030.
Cunningham believes that momentum should continue under the next commissioner, but she wants growth to be matched by a stronger connection with the players.
