"RIP My Beautiful League": WNBA Fans Baffled as Sophie Cunningham Confirms Adam Silver Reached Out to Her For Views on Next Commissioner
- 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.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Adam Silver Consulting With Sophie Cunningman For Next WNBA Commissioner
Polarizing WNBA figure Sophie Cunningham shared some news on her podcast that led to strong reactions from sports fans. The Indiana Fever bench player is known for being a lightning rod after making political related comments that has taken over as a major WNBA story this season. Cunningham has made it clear she’s not shying […]
Adam Silver Sends Clear Message On What WNBA Needs in Next Commissioner After Cathy Engelbert
NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants the next WNBA commissioner to do what Cathy Engelbert couldn’t. While that can be many things at this point, the main criticism Engelbert used to catch fire for was her lack of relationships with players. And Silver hopes the next commissioner who replaces the retiring Engelbert is a unifying figure. […]
WNBA Commissioner Job Receiving Considerable Interest From Candidates
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said interest in the WNBA's vacant commissioner role has surged since Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement earlier this month. Formal interviews have not yet begun, though calls about the opening continue to be received by the NBA. "I can tell by the calls I'm getting how much more attractive this job is and will be in 2027 than it was in 2019," said Silver. The hiring process will formally begin once the league …
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