Sophie Cunningham said NBA commissioner Adam Silver has spoken with her multiple times, including about the search for the WNBA’s next commissioner.

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham said NBA commissioner Adam Silver reached out to her for input on the WNBA’s search for its next commissioner, with Cathy Engelbert set to retire at the end of 2026.

Silver initiated the contact through Cunningham’s agents.

“I have talked to Adam Silver a couple of times, and I think he’s a great guy,” Cunningham said after the Fever practiced Monday. “He was very knowledgeable and full of wisdom, so getting to talk to him and hear his perspective on how he approaches the NBA is huge, and who he’s looking for. I think if you want to know the real answers, you go to him.”

Silver is expected to lead the process of finding Engelbert’s replacement, as the WNBA commissioner reports directly to him.

Cunningham confirmed that part of their conversations centered around the upcoming vacancy.

The 30-year-old guard was also asked whether she already had a specific person in mind for the job.

“I don’t have anyone,” Cunningham noted.

Credit AFP – Scanpix

Cathy Engelbert to retire after seven years

Engelbert announced earlier this month that she will retire at the end of 2026 after more than seven years as the WNBA’s first commissioner. She said the decision came after more than 40 years in business.

Engelbert took over in 2019 and has overseen a period of significant growth for the league, including increased attendance, viewership, franchise valuations, and commercial revenue.

During her tenure, the WNBA also announced plans to expand from 12 teams to 18 by 2030, introduced a full charter-flight program, and agreed to new media-rights and collective bargaining deals.

Cunningham, meanwhile, has averaged 7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 251 regular-season games in her WNBA career.

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