Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has suggested that new leadership could benefit the WNBA, stating that the commissioner's position "could be a position maybe open" at the end of the current league year. In an interview with USA Today, Cunningham expressed the need for a leader who is "bold, who is confident, who wants the best for the players and not maybe for themselves all the time."
Cunningham's comments come as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in her seventh year, is nearing the end of her current contract, which expires after the 2026 season. While acknowledging the challenges of the role, Cunningham emphasized the importance of leadership that actively supports player growth and aligns with the league's aspirations.
"Cathy Engelbert’s done a lot of good things, but with where our league is trying to go, I feel like you just want someone who also wants that," Cunningham said. She noted that players, seeing the league's potential, often desire more, a sentiment she believes is directed towards the commissioner's office. Ultimately, Cunningham deferred such decisions to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Silver, speaking at a mid-July press conference during the NBA Summer League, remained noncommittal regarding Engelbert's future. He stated that he believes Engelbert "continues to do a strong job building that league" and that "ongoing discussions about what the future looks like" are taking place. Silver also expressed pleasure with the "tremendous progress" made under Engelbert's tenure, which has included a new collective bargaining agreement and the addition of several expansion teams.
The WNBA has seen significant expansion recently, with the Golden State Valkyries joining in 2025, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire launching in 2026, and plans for the Cleveland Sirens in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Despite this growth, Engelbert has faced scrutiny over her relationships with players and her handling of social justice issues.
Other players, such as Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, have also reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with Engelbert's leadership.