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Sophie Cunningham never has been afraid to voice her opinion, and the Indiana Fever guard now has raised questions about the future of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Cunningham suggested Engelbert’s position could become available after the 2026 season while discussing what she believes the league needs from its leadership. Her comments arrived as WNBA players continue to push for changes involving revenue sharing, travel, player safety and other workplace issues.
“You do have to have a person in power who is bold, who is confident, who wants the best for the players and not maybe for themselves all the time,” Cunningham told USA Today. “So I do feel like, as a whole, that could be a position that’s maybe open at the end of the year, but that’s not my call.”
Cunningham did not directly demand that Engelbert be removed. She also credited the commissioner for making positive contributions during a period of considerable growth for the league.
Still, the Fever guard made clear that she believes the WNBA’s ambitions must be matched by its leadership.
Sophie Cunningham questions whether WNBA needs new leadership
Engelbert became the WNBA’s first commissioner in July 2019. Her tenure has coincided with significant increases in attention, attendance and investment across the league. That growth also has created greater expectations from players.
The WNBA’s stars recognize the league’s expanding value and have become more vocal about receiving a larger share of its success. Those conversations have placed increased scrutiny on Engelbert and other decision-makers.
“(Engelbert’s) done a lot of good things, but with where our league is trying to go, I feel like you just want someone who also wants that,” Cunningham said. “That’s just a hard position to be in, in her shoes.”
Cunningham acknowledged the natural tension between players and league officials. Players will continue asking for improvements because they believe the WNBA has not reached its full potential.
“Us as players, we always want more, more, more because we see how good it can be,” Cunningham said.
Her statement nevertheless carried added weight because she publicly entertained the possibility of a change at the top.
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WNBA enters pivotal period amid rapid growth
Cunningham’s comments reflect the larger pressure facing the league. The WNBA has attracted new fans and generated unprecedented attention in recent seasons. Increased interest also has magnified disputes over working conditions, compensation, officiating, scheduling and player protection.
The league now must show that its infrastructure can keep pace with its popularity. That challenge extends beyond any single commissioner. Changes at the top would require involvement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver and team ownership groups. Cunningham acknowledged that the ultimate decision does not belong to players.
“That’s up to Adam Silver at the end of the day,” she said.
The comments still make Cunningham one of the most prominent active players to publicly question Engelbert’s long-term future. Cunningham has built a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most outspoken personalities. She routinely addresses controversial subjects without softening her position, even when doing so creates criticism.
This time, her focus was not on another player, coach or official. It was on the person responsible for guiding the league through the most consequential period in its history. The WNBA’s growth has created an enormous opportunity. Cunningham’s message was that the league needs leadership capable of maximizing it, even if that eventually means finding someone new.
English (US)