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Sue Bird suggests Michelle Obama for WNBA commissioner role

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 10:40 AM

Last updated Sep 19, 2026

Sue Bird suggests Michelle Obama for WNBA commissioner role

Summary

Sue Bird recently discussed potential candidates for the WNBA commissioner position, which will be vacated by Cathy Engelbert. In her podcast with WNBA icon Tina Charles, Bird stated that the role has significant cultural impact and could attract high-profile individuals. She mentioned Michelle Obama as a hypothetical candidate, highlighting the opportunity for someone to change narratives in the league. Despite the interesting proposition, the feasibility of Obama taking on such a role remains highly unlikely due to the demands of managing a sports league. The search for Engelbert's replacement is now underway.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Bird emphasizes cultural weight of the WNBA commissioner role.
•Engelbert will step down, prompting a search for her replacement.
•Bird suggests Michelle Obama could be a transformative candidate.
•The discussion came during Bird's podcast with Tina Charles.
•Finding a standout candidate remains a challenge as the search begins.

Latest Updates

10:40 AMYahoo Sports — Sue Bird says next WNBA commissioner could be Michelle Obama

What they're saying

"
Sue Bird believes the WNBA commissioner job carries enough cultural weight to attract a powerhouse figure. Fresh off guiding Team USA as managing director, Sue Bird has her sights set on the WNBA’s next chapter as search efforts begin for Cathy Engelbert’s replacement.
— Yahoo Sports

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