SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM SAYS SHE SHOULD BE WNBA COMMISSIONER

Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, said on her podcast that she should become the next WNBA commissioner. Cunningham made the remarks during the debut episode of her rebranded show, the No Hesitation Show, which she launched alongside basketball trainer and Pure Sweat Basketball CEO Drew Hanlen. The podcast had been inactive for nearly two months before the new episode launched. Cunningham's comments came as discussion continues about who will replace Cathy Engelbert, who is set to step down from the commissioner role at the end of 2026.

Cunningham identified improved practice facilities as her first priority if she were to assume the commissioner position. She highlighted that some WNBA teams currently practise at YMCAs, with some facilities divided by curtains and shared with youth camps. Cunningham stated that some teams lack dedicated weight rooms. She described the situation as inconsistent with the league's status and recent growth, which has included record viewership, new franchises and major corporate partnerships. The infrastructure disparity remains alongside increases in player earning potential.

Cunningham's comments reflect ongoing challenges with team facilities across the league. Whilst some franchises have announced plans for dedicated practice facilities, several projects have experienced delays or remain incomplete. The New York Liberty was cited as one example of teams addressing facility needs. The remarks underline a gap between the WNBA's commercial expansion and the consistency of resources available to its players across different franchises.