Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham lays out what she believes the next WNBA commissioner should prioritize following Cathy Engelbert’s planned exit. Engelbert announced earlier this month that she will step down in December 2026, at the end of the current WNBA season, after serving for more than seven years.
Cunningham’s comments focus on league-wide coordination and engagement. She calls for the next commissioner to unite players and strengthen communication across the league, emphasizing relationship-building as part of the role. The outlets also note that, with Engelbert’s departure now set for later in 2026, there is growing public speculation about who will take over.
While the coverage centers on Cunningham’s views, it also provides context about Engelbert’s tenure, including efforts connected to expanding the league’s reach through television and streaming. Overall, the reporting converges on the timing of the leadership change and Cunningham’s expectations for the incoming commissioner’s approach.
