It’s been weeks since the Alyssa Thomas–Caitlin Clark tussle in the second Indiana–Phoenix game, yet the incident still dominates WNBA conversations. One theory gaining traction is that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver personally intervened in Thomas’ suspension, a claim now firmly debunked by a WNBA spokesperson.

“A WNBA spokesperson tells me the report suggesting Adam Silver intervened with Cathy Engelbert over Alyssa Thomas suspension is ‘absolutely false,'” analyst Robin Lundberg’s post on X read. “I am told by a source with knowledge WNBA Referee Operations/Basketball Operations reviewed and made recommendation to leadership.”

During the Indiana–Phoenix game on June 24, Thomas hit Clark in the throat during a loose-ball scramble. The moment was caught on camera, but officials didn’t even call a foul on the court. Only after a post-game review was the play upgraded to a flagrant 2. Under WNBA rules, Thomas was fined $1,000 and suspended for one game.

The WNBA handled the review and decision, but a new theory soon emerged suggesting Adam Silver had influenced the outcome.

According to Sports Business Journal, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was initially reluctant to elevate the foul to a flagrant 2, her hesitation fueled by the officials’ no-call on the court. The report claimed Silver stepped in, found “clear evidence” of a flagrant, and took Cathy Engelbert into confidence to issue the suspension.

The theory seemed plausible: the NBA owns 42% of the WNBA and Silver oversees both leagues. But the spokesperson’s denial makes it clear that this was strictly a WNBA decision. There is no precedent of Silver personally intervening in WNBA disciplinary matters.

Amid these growing narratives, Silver has also heaped high praise on Cathy Engelbert’s leadership.

Adam Silver Backs Cathy Engelbert’s WNBA Leadership

Engelbert faced criticism from Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas during her tenure, which has raised questions about Engelbert’s leadership and her oversight of the league’s activities.

Despite the chatter, Silver has publicly backed Engelbert’s leadership.

Speaking at the NBA Summer League, Silver said, “I’m very pleased with where the WNBA is. We’ve made tremendous progress under her leadership over the last several years … Cathy continues doing a strong job building that league. And we’ll have ongoing discussions about what the future looks like.”

Engelbert oversaw a historic CBA negotiation in the offseason, which proved she can handle tough situations and make big calls. Now, the WNBA’s firm denial suggests that the league’s disciplinary decisions are squarely in Cathy Engelbert’s hands.