Sophie Cunningham says WNBA needs a “Bold” Commissioner
Sophie Cunningham believes the WNBA needs bold leadership to match the league’s rapid growth, saying players need a commissioner who puts their interests first.
Speaking to USA Today, the Indiana Fever guard was asked about Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s future, with Engelbert’s contract set to expire after the 2026 season.
Cunningham said the league needs someone willing to stand firmly behind its players.
“You do have to have a person in power who is bold, who is confident, who wants the best for the players and not maybe for themselves all the time.”
Cunningham was careful not to dismiss Engelbert’s work entirely, acknowledging that the commissioner has done positive things during her time leading the league.
But she believes the WNBA has reached a point where its leadership needs to match the ambitions of its players.
“With where our league is trying to go, I feel like you just want someone who also wants that.”
Cunningham also said players will naturally continue asking for more as they see the potential of women’s basketball growing.
“We always want more, more, more because we see how good it can be.”
Cunningham said the final decision on Engelbert’s future is not hers to make, pointing to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as the person who will ultimately have a say.
