Sophie Cunningham says Adam Silver reached out about future WNBA leader

Sophie Cunningham, the Dallas Mavericks guard who has become a vocal advocate for the women’s game, told ESPN that NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently called her to talk about the soon‑to‑be‑open WNBA commissioner’s seat. Cunningham said Silver’s outreach was a sign that league owners are looking beyond traditional front‑office names and want player input as they consider the next chief executive.

According to ESPN, Cunningham explained that Silver asked for her perspective on what the league needs in a commissioner as the current leader, Cathy Engelbert, prepares to step down after the 2024 season. The guard said the conversation was informal but underscored the growing influence of players in shaping league policy and leadership decisions.

Engelbert, who took the helm in 2019, has overseen a period of rapid expansion, record attendance and a surge in broadcast deals. Her announced departure leaves a high‑profile vacancy at a time when the WNBA is negotiating new collective‑bargaining agreements and exploring further growth strategies. Historically, the league has had three commissioners – Val Ackerman, the founding chief; Donna Orender, who guided early expansion; and Engelbert, who steered the modern era. The next appointment will be the first after a tenure that coincided with the league’s most significant commercial gains.

The involvement of Silver, who has championed the WNBA’s partnership with the NBA, reflects a broader trend of cross‑league collaboration. Since taking office in 2014, he has overseen the NBA’s financial support for the women’s league, including shared marketing initiatives and joint scheduling. His interest in hearing directly from a player suggests the selection process may weigh on‑court experience alongside executive credentials.

Industry analysts note that the commissioner role now carries responsibilities far beyond traditional sports administration – from negotiating media rights to driving social‑justice initiatives that have become central to the WNBA’s brand. If former players like Cunningham are consulted, it could signal a shift toward leadership that is more attuned to athlete concerns and the league’s progressive identity.

The search committee is expected to convene later this year, with a shortlist likely emerging before the 2025 season. As the dialogue between Silver and Cunningham illustrates, the WNBA’s next chapter may be shaped by a blend of seasoned executives and the voices of those who live the game daily.