Sophie Cunningham questions WNBA commissioner's future after 2026

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly questioned the future of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, suggesting the league may need new leadership when Engelbert's contract expires after the 2026 season. In an interview published on August 19, 2026, Cunningham stated that the commissioner's role "could be a position that's maybe open at the end of the year," though she emphasized the decision rests with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Cunningham, who has recently become a prominent figure in debates over transgender athletes in women's sports, outlined her vision for the league's next leader. "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," she said. While acknowledging Engelbert has "done a lot of good things," Cunningham added, "with where our league is trying to go, I feel like you just want someone who also wants that."

Engelbert, who has served as commissioner since 2019, did not directly confirm her plans for 2027 when asked about her future in a July 26 interview. She instead highlighted the league's growth under her tenure, noting the expansion from a staff of 12...