WNBA star calls for a more assertive commissioner as league’s leadership contract nears expiration

Sophie Cunningham told USA Today that the Women's National Basketball Association should consider a commissioner who is "bold, confident and focused on the best interests of the players," suggesting that the league’s direction may require new leadership after the current commissioner’s contract expires in 2026. Cunningham praised Cathy Engelbert for many achievements but said the league’s growth calls for a leader who will support players seeking to become "trailblazers of what women's leagues can look like."

Cunningham noted that the decision on Engelbert’s future will ultimately rest with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. She also referenced recent controversy surrounding her own comments on transgender athletes, which prompted protests at Indiana Fever games and led Engelbert to convene a task-force meeting on league policies.

The guard said she believes the WNBA can host open discussions on both basketball and broader social issues, adding that players can use their platform while still focusing on the sport. > "People are like, 'You have a platform. Use it,' and then once you use it, it's like, 'Go back to playing basketball,'" she said.