Sophie Cunningham Discusses WNBA Commissioner Search with Adam Silver

Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has engaged in conversations with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver concerning the ongoing search for the WNBA's next commissioner. Cunningham confirmed these discussions, stating she has spoken with Silver a couple of times and described him as knowledgeable and wise.

Cunningham expressed confidence that Silver, who is overseeing the search, will select a candidate capable of building upon the WNBA's current momentum. "I think he’s going to put someone in place who really wants to take our league to another level than it’s already at," Cunningham told reporters. "Our league is booming, so why would we not want someone who is going to try to make it even more booming?"

She emphasized the importance of the future commissioner prioritizing players. "I think that the WNBA has always been a place for people to feel safe and comfortable," Cunningham said. "I think there’s all types of walks in this organization or in this league, which I think is absolutely awesome, but I do think with that, you need someone who’s going to unite everybody because it can be so different." Cunningham added, "My second thing is I really do think that you need a commissioner that is players first, who wants a relationship with the players. I think that’s so important."

While Cunningham did not name specific candidates, her comments come as the WNBA prepares for its first leadership change in seven years. Cathy Engelbert, who became the league's first commissioner in 2019, announced her retirement at the end of 2026. Her tenure coincided with significant growth in attendance, viewership, sponsorship revenue, and franchise valuations. Engelbert also initiated an expansion plan to grow the league to 18 teams by 2030 and oversaw new media-rights and collective bargaining agreements, though her relationship with players was occasionally strained.