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Former Mizzou Star Sophie Cunningham Expresses Thoughts on Next WNBA Commissioner, Has Discussed Them with Adam Silver
Silver wants a commissioner who can bridge players and ownership as the WNBA expands to 18 teams and faces lingering criticism over league operations.
- On Tuesday, Sept. 15, NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the search for a new WNBA commissioner to replace retiring leader Cathy Engelbert, whose tenure concludes at the end of 2026.
- Under Engelbert, the WNBA experienced historic growth, including a $3.1 billion media rights deal and expansion to 15 teams, though her tenure faced criticism over public missteps and reactive management.
- Silver emphasized the need for unity, stating, "We need somebody who is going to help unify the players with the players and the players with ownership."
- Sky guard Natasha Cloud and Elizabeth Williams, secretary of the players union, seek a commissioner with "some knowledge of the WNBA at some level" who protects players from mainstream pressures.
- With expansion to 18 teams planned by 2030, the new leader must navigate the balance between integrated NBA operations and the WNBA's need for independent control over basketball decisions.
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Former Mizzou star Sophie Cunningham expresses thoughts on next WNBA commissioner, has discussed them with Adam Silver
Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham told reporters that she has discussed the soon-to-be vacant WNBA commissioner's position with Adam Silver after the NBA commissioner reached out to her.
·Calhoun, United States
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Five needles the next WNBA comissioner will have to thread
<p><a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky" target="_blank" >Sky</a> guard Natasha Cloud <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-sky/2026/09/10/skys-natasha-cloud-knows-what-she-wants-in-the-next-wnba-commissioner" >told the Sun-Times</a> last week she wants the next commissioner to be a former player, preferably from a minority group, who can better protect players from the hazards of mainstream attenti…
·Chicago, United States
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·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources10
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Left
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources lean Left
83% Left
L 83%
C 17%
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