The WNBA is set to undergo some changes this offseason.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that she is retiring at the end of the season, and she has been in the role since 2019.
On Monday, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham spoke about what she wants in the league’s next commissioner and had one request.
“The #WNBA has always been a place for people to feel safe/comfortable. I think there are all types of walks in this league,” Cunningham said, via James Boyd of The Athletic. “You need someone who’s gonna unite everybody b/c it can be so different.”
Cunningham even said she talked to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about the matter, but she didn’t have any candidates in mind herself.
#Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, asked if she has any candidates for the next #WNBA commissioner:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 14, 2026
“God no. … I have talked to (#NBA commissioner) Adam Silver a couple times … I think he’s gonna put someone in place who really wants to even take our league to another level …” https://t.co/BkalbeuyYC
Before Engelbert’s announcement, Cunningham floated the idea of a new Commissioner coming into the league. It comes at a time full of scrutiny, with Cunningham’s comments opening the way for Enes Kanter and others to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, although the league said it wouldn’t happen.
ESPN reported that a search could begin sometime in September, but Cunningham has made it clear what she hopes for from the WNBA’s new commissioner.
