With Cathy Engelbert set to leave her position as WNBA commissioner at the end of 2026, the search for her successor is an important moment for the league. Sophie Cunningham has a clear idea of what the next leader should bring to the role, and she believes the NBA’s Adam Silver offers a good example.

Sophie Cunningham Wants Next WNBA Commissioner to Follow Adam Silver’s Approach to Player Relations

Speaking on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, Cunningham praised Silver for the relationship he has built with NBA players. She believes the WNBA needs someone similar.

“I think Adam Silver does a phenomenal job of having a relationship with his NBA players,” Cunningham said. “And so I just think that’s what we need on the W side.”

The Indiana Fever guard then made it clear that the next commissioner must be confident enough to stand by their decisions, explaining: “We need someone to come in here who has a backbone, who’s going to stick to what they do, and hold the standard.”

The 30-year-old added that the WNBA needs a common goal that can bring players, owners and other stakeholders together.

For her, however, leadership is not just about making major decisions. She also wants the next commissioner to have basic communication skills and show respect to the people working in the league.

Cunningham used a hypothetical example of a commissioner walking into a room without even greeting a player to explain her point.

“Like, we’re in the room. Like, say hi, be human, be nice,” she said. “I think that’s all we’re really asking for is a little bit of respect and just be a normal human. We’re all trying to work for the same goal. We all want to make the WNBA the best it can be.”

She also stressed that the next leader must maintain open communication and support both players and owners, even when their interests do not always match. Cunningham acknowledged that players will not get everything they ask for, but believes having an open line of communication and mutual respect is essential.

These comments build on Cunningham’s earlier thoughts about the commissioner search. She had previously spoken about the importance of player relations and discussed the role with Silver after he reached out to her.

Cunningham’s comments come as Engelbert prepares to step down after more than seven years in charge. During her tenure, the WNBA experienced significant growth.

In 2024, the league recorded 2.35 million regular-season attendees, a 48% increase from the previous year, while attracting more than 54 million unique viewers across its national television partners. The league has also expanded from 12 teams, with plans to reach 18 by 2030.

Cunningham did recognize Engelbert’s contribution when asked whether the next commissioner could take the league further. “I think she [Engelbert] did a lot of good things, but again, you’ve got to be willing to have a growth mindset,” she said.

For Cunningham, that combination of confidence, communication, and basic respect is what the WNBA needs from its next commissioner.