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WNBA Begins Search for New Commissioner Amid Leadership Transition
By Drooid · · How we work
Search for a New Leader
The Women’s National Basketball Association is conducting a search for its next commissioner following the announced retirement of Cathy Engelbert at the end of 2026. Current NBA commissioner Adam Silver is overseeing the process, and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she has spoken with him several times about the vacancy.
Background: Engelbert’s Tenure and Upcoming Retirement
Engelbert, the league’s first commissioner since 2019, is stepping down after more than four decades in business. During her tenure the WNBA experienced unprecedented growth in attendance, television audiences, sponsorship revenue and franchise valuations. The league also unveiled an expansion plan to increase the number of teams from 12 to 18 by 2030, alongside new media-rights and collective-bargaining agreements. Player-owner relations were described as occasionally strained.
Player Perspective: Sophie Cunningham’s Priorities
Cunningham emphasized the need for a “players-first” commissioner who maintains open communication while making tough decisions. She praised Silver’s knowledge and wisdom and stressed that the next leader should unite the league’s diverse community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have talked to Adam Silver a couple times, and I think he’s a great guy who’s very knowledgeable and full of wisdom,” — Sophie Cunningham
- “I think that the WNBA has always been a place for people to feel safe and comfortable,” — Sophie Cunningham
- “My second thing is I really do think that you need a commissioner that is players first, who wants a relationship with the players,” — Sophie Cunningham
- “I have talked to Adam Silver a couple times, and I think he’s a great guy,” — Sophie Cunningham
Data & Statistics
- Attendance, TV viewership, sponsorship revenue and franchise valuations all rose to record levels under Engelbert.
- Expansion plan: increase from 12 to 18 teams by 2030.
- New media-rights and collective-bargaining agreements were negotiated during the same period.
The search for a new commissioner reflects both the league’s recent growth and the desire for stronger player-league relations as the WNBA looks to build on its momentum.