Sophie Cunningham indicates potential WNBA commissioner change ahead
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 6:15 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever suggested in an interview that the WNBA commissioner position may become available at the end of the year. While acknowledging the contributions of current commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Cunningham emphasized the need for bold leadership to support the league's growth amid ongoing scrutiny, particularly regarding issues related to transgender athletes. She stated that the decision would ultimately rest with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Cunningham's comments reflect broader concerns among players about the direction of the league.
- •Sophie Cunningham suggests WNBA commissioner's job may be open at year's end.
- •Cunningham emphasizes need for bold leadership in women's leagues.
- •Current commissioner Cathy Engelbert's future is uncertain amid scrutiny.
- •Cunningham's remarks came during an exclusive interview with USA TODAY Sports.
- •Decision on leadership rests with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
- 6:15 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham Suggests Cathy Engelbert Should Be Replaced by ‘Bold’ New Commissioner
- 1:34 AMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham makes bold statement about WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s future
- 2:14 PMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham provides blunt opinion on Cathy Engelbert's future as WNBA commissioner
- 1:44 PMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham: WNBA commish job may be 'open at the end of the year'
"In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY Sports, Fever's Sophie Cunningham says Cathy Engelbert's fate as WNBA commissioner is "up to Adam Silver."
"Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly questioned whether Cathy Engelbert will remain WNBA commissioner beyond the 2026 season.
"Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham believes WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert may not hold her position for much longer.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 6:15 PMWNBA’s Sophie Cunningham Suggests Cathy Engelbert Should Be Replaced by ‘Bold’ New Commissioner
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham believes WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert may not hold her position for much longer.
- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 1:34 AMSophie Cunningham makes bold statement about WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s future
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly questioned whether Cathy Engelbert will remain WNBA commissioner beyond the 2026 season.
- Yahoo SportsAug 19, 2026, 2:14 PMSophie Cunningham provides blunt opinion on Cathy Engelbert's future as WNBA commissioner
With questions over the WNBA commissioner's long-term outlook, Cunningham recently offered her opinion.
- Yahoo SportsAug 19, 2026, 1:44 PMSophie Cunningham: WNBA commish job may be 'open at the end of the year'
In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY Sports, Fever's Sophie Cunningham says Cathy Engelbert's fate as WNBA commissioner is "up to Adam Silver."
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