Cunningham Calls for New WNBA Commissioner
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly challenges Cathy Engelbert, saying the league needs a leader who prioritizes players over personal gain.
The update
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly questioned the future of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. In a recent interview with USA Today, Cunningham stated the league would benefit from a leader who is “bold, confident, and wants the best for players and not maybe for themselves all the time.” She suggested the commissioner position could be open at the end of the year, though she clarified it is not her decision to make. Cunningham acknowledged Engelbert has “done a lot of good things” but argued the league needs a commissioner who supports players as “trailblazers of what women’s leagues can look like.”
Why it matters
This challenge comes amid growing scrutiny of Engelbert’s leadership. Despite the WNBA’s recent growth, players have criticized her handling of various situations, including a contentious labor negotiation earlier this year. Cunningham’s comments highlight a potential rift between the league’s leadership and its players regarding the direction of the sport.
What to watch
Engelbert’s contract is set to expire after the 2026 season, her seventh as commissioner. Her future will ultimately be decided by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. The league has also called for a task force meeting to discuss policies regarding transgender athletes, a topic that has drawn significant public attention recently.
Sources
- cbssports.com — Cunningham's quote about needing a bold commissioner and her comments on Engelbert's tenure.
- espn.com — Context on Engelbert's contract expiration and the task force meeting regarding transgender athlete policies.
