Rep. Angie Craig Eyes WNBA Commissioner Role, Calls it 'Every Middle-Aged Lesbian's Dream Job'
The outgoing Minnesota Democrat expressed interest in the WNBA's top position as she prepares to leave Congress.
US Representative Angie Craig has thrown her hat into the ring for the WNBA commissioner position, which has remained open since Cathy Engelbert's departure last month. Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota, described the role as "every middle-aged lesbian's dream job" in a recent interview.
Craig, 54, is not seeking re-election to Congress and will leave her seat in January. She recently lost a Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat to Peggy Flanagan. "I'm a free agent in January," Craig posted on X, formerly Twitter, indicating her availability for new opportunities.
Craig, a self-described lifelong basketball fan, has been a vocal supporter of the WNBA, attending Minnesota Lynx games and traveling to New York for the 2024 WNBA Finals. She has previously expressed criticism of the league office, particularly regarding what she perceived as preferential treatment for larger markets and star players.
"The WNBA wanted the Liberty to win [in 2024]," Craig stated in 2025. "Big-market team. Superstar faces. A tidy storyline for the league office and league Commissioner who literally wore the New York City skyline on her dress that night. And Minnesota? We were the wrong script. Too gritty. Too real. Too inconvenient."
Engelbert's seven-year tenure saw significant growth in the WNBA's revenue, viewership, and franchise valuations. The league's annual media deal now generates approximately $200 million, a substantial increase from before Engelbert's leadership. Franchise values have also soared, with prices ranging from $250 million to $1 billion for top teams.
Despite the league's financial success, Engelbert faced criticism on various fronts, including player compensation, officiating, and safety concerns. More recently, the league has drawn scrutiny from conservatives for its policies on transgender athletes.
In a parallel political-sports development, former NBA player Royce White, who has unsuccessfully run for political office in Minnesota, has declared himself eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Along with Enes Kanter Freedom, White aims to challenge the league's inclusion policies. However, league sources have reportedly deemed them ineligible to play.
Craig, married with four children, has not outlined specific plans for the WNBA but has clearly indicated her strong interest in the commissioner role as she transitions from her congressional career.