Sophie Cunningham has seen a popularity surge in recent months. This seems to have earned her a seat at the high table as well, as evidenced by the fact that Cunningham recently spoke with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver about the next WNBA commissioner. But it seems like the NBA is not keen on commenting on the exchange.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Speaking to reporters on September 14, per a YouTube video posted by Tony East (Indiana beat writer), Cunningham revealed a little about the nature of her conversation with Adam Silver.
“I have talked to Adam Silver a couple of times, and I think he’s a great guy. He was very knowledgeable and full of wisdom, and so getting to talk to him and hear his perspective of how he approaches the NBA is huge, who he’s kind of looking for. I think if you want to know the real answers, you go to him.”
According to the Associated Press, the NBA refused to comment on Sophie Cunningham’s revelation when asked about the matter. Cunningham, when asked about what kind of leader the WNBA needs, had a very clear response about her expectations of the incoming WNBA commissioner.
“I think that the WNBA has always been a place for people to feel safe and comfortable. I think there are all types of walks in this organization or in this league, which I think is absolutely awesome, but I do think that, with that, you need someone who’s going to unite everybody because it can be so different.”
Cathy Engelbert’s tenure as Commissioner saw the league deeply divided on a variety of issues, most recently on the transgender athlete participation issue. Before this, Engelbert regularly found herself facing sharp rebukes that hardened into open resentment during contentious Collective Bargaining negotiations leading up to the 2026 season. Turns out, this will be the last season that Engelbert will lead the WNBA.
Engelbert announced on September 4 that she will step down after the conclusion of the 2026 WNBA season. Silver, who spearheaded the search that brought Engelbert into the role, is once again expected to direct the selection process for her successor. Against this backdrop, Sophie Cunningham had another specific expectation from the incoming WNBA commissioner.
“I really do think that you need a commissioner that is players-first, who wants a relationship with the players,” Cunningham said. “I think that’s so important. That doesn’t mean we’re always going to get along and we’re always going to agree; they have a job, they work for the owners, and so they’re going to have to make hard decisions. But if you have that open line of communication and that respect level, I think that it just feels different.”
While Sophie Cunningham has not given any specific recommendation for the next WNBA commissioner, Adam Silver, on Tuesday, spoke about the process of selecting the next WNBA commissioner. And it seems some of Cunningham’s expectations have found resonance with Silver, per The Athletic.
“We’re at the stage of this league where understandably there was going to be some tension around collective bargaining,” Silver said. “Now that we have a long-term agreement in place, we need somebody who is going to help unify the players with the players and the players with ownership. I see that opportunity.”
As the search intensifies over the next few months, only time will tell if the new commissioner meets Sophie Cunningham’s and the WNBA players’ expectations.