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Cunningham Reveals Talks with Silver on Next WNBA Commissioner
Confirmed
In Short: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham discusses the qualities she wants in the next WNBA commissioner.
Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard, has revealed that she has spoken with NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the traits she would like to see in the next WNBA commissioner. Cunningham emphasized the importance of unity and a strong relationship with players.
According to Cunningham, the next commissioner must focus on uniting the league and setting a common goal for all teams. She also highlighted the need for a commissioner who values open communication with players and prioritizes their well-being.
Cunningham, who has been vocal about issues impacting women's sports, believes that the next commissioner should build on the league's recent growth and continue to push for progress. She trusts Silver to find the right person to lead the WNBA forward.
During her tenure, Cunningham has faced criticism and protests at out-of-town arenas. Despite this, she remains committed to her vision for the league and is confident that the next commissioner will help achieve her goals.
The NBA has not disclosed the specific topics discussed during Cunningham and Silver's conversation. However, it is expected that the search for the next WNBA commissioner will involve a thorough evaluation of potential candidates who meet Cunningham's criteria.
What's confirmed
- Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard, has revealed that she has spoken with NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the traits she would like to see in the next WNBA commissioner. Cunningham emphasized the importance of unity and a strong relationship with players.
- According to Cunningham, the next commissioner must focus on uniting the league and setting a common goal for all teams. She also highlighted the need for a commissioner who values open communication with players and prioritizes their well-being.
- Cunningham, who has been vocal about issues impacting women's sports, believes that the next commissioner should build on the league's recent growth and continue to push for progress. She trusts Silver to find the right person to lead the WNBA forward.
- During her tenure, Cunningham has faced criticism and protests at out-of-town arenas. Despite this, she remains committed to her vision for the league and is confident that the next commissioner will help achieve her goals.
- The NBA has not disclosed the specific topics discussed during Cunningham and Silver's conversation. However, it is expected that the search for the next WNBA commissioner will involve a thorough evaluation of potential candidates who meet Cunningham's criteria.
What's still developing
- She said the WNBA is full of people from all kinds of different backgrounds, which is why the next commissioner really needs to focus on unity.
- Cunningham said the league’s diversity makes the WNBA special.
- “With all the diversity, you do need someone who is gonna unite our league and have a common goal and get us all on the same page,” Cunningham said.
- September 15, 2026, 11:36am EST 6 • By Arnab Mondal Sophie Cunningham knows exactly what she wants to see in the WNBA ’s next commissioner.
- Cunningham talked about it on Monday with James Boyd from The Athletic.
- That was followed by an 11-year media rights deal reportedly worth $3 billion, according to The Athletic, giving the WNBA its first billion-dollar media agreement.
- During her tenure, the WNBA and WNBPA also signed the historic 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which marked a massive salary cap increase from $1.5 million to $7 million.
- “Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in his statement.