Carmelo Anthony Outlines Player Protection as Key for Next WNBA Commissioner

Carmelo Anthony, the former NBA star, has stated that his primary focus, should he be considered for the WNBA commissioner role, would be to invest in and protect the league's players. Anthony believes that prioritizing the athletes is essential for the WNBA's continued success and reputation as a premier women's professional sports league.

"We have to protect the players," Anthony said in a recent interview. "We have to protect them all across the board if we really want people to look at this league as the best women’s league in the world. So, you have to be intentional with the players and the script. You have to tighten that and build that, and make them feel comfortable in the situation that they’re in."

He advocates for a collaborative approach, drawing parallels to the NBA's growth. "This is a partnership. It’s not like, ‘You work for me.’ No, we work together to build this. I want to hear everybody. I want to hear the good, the bad, the ugly," Anthony explained. "I want to hear where you guys want to go. I want to hear from the players because if I just come with my business acumen, I have a whole other vision for it. It has to be a collaborative situation."

The WNBA is currently in its 30th season and has seen significant increases in viewership, attendance, and digital engagement. National broadcasts have reached over 91 million unique viewers, more than double the previous season, and game attendance totaled 3.8 million fans, with 212 sellouts and an average attendance of 11,474 per game.

However, the league is also navigating several controversies. Debates surrounding transgender athlete eligibility have surfaced, with figures like former NBA players Enes Freedom and Royce White expressing interest in the WNBA Draft, citing league rules. While the collective bargaining agreement states only players who are women are eligible, a precise definition of a woman has not been provided by the league, fueling ongoing discussion.

Additional incidents have included confrontations at games and players walking off the court before the national anthem, drawing criticism. The new WNBA commissioner will face the task of addressing these broader cultural debates, alongside issues of race and equity, while continuing to foster the league's growth.

Despite these challenges, Anthony expressed optimism about the league's trajectory. "I love the popularity, I love the attention that it’s getting. I love the seriousness that and intentionality that’s being put into the W right now," he said. "The growth of it, obviously we’re seeing first-hand the growth of the W. But also, the talent and the skill level."

Cathy Engelbert is set to retire as WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2026 calendar year, with the NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the WNBA Board of Governors responsible for selecting her successor. Anthony, though not a candidate for the position, shared his insights on what the future leadership should prioritize. He also mentioned his involvement in a new DraftKings campaign alongside Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas, highlighting the expansion of the platform across all 50 states.