Sophie Cunningham Calls for a WNBA Commissioner with ‘Backbone’

In a recent hour‑long appearance on Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham delivered a candid assessment of the WNBA’s leadership, player compensation, and off‑court culture. While discussing everything from league rivalries to her own faith journey, Cunningham’s most pointed moment came when she urged the league to find a commissioner “with a backbone.” The remarks, which quickly went viral, reflect broader conversations about the future of the WNBA as it navigates a new collective‑bargaining agreement, evolving fan expectations, and the looming retirement of long‑time commissioner Cathy Englebert.

A Rocky Finish and a League in Transition

The Fever’s 2024 Struggles and the New Landscape

The Fever finished the 2024 regular season 28‑44, falling to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in a three‑game first‑round series. “We didn’t make our shots,” Cunningham said, summing up the team’s postseason collapse. The loss marked the second consecutive year the Fever were eliminated in the opening round, prompting introspection about roster construction and competitive depth within the franchise.

Rookie Class Impact and the Rise of Young Stars

Cunningham credited the 2024 rookie class—led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese—as a catalyst for renewed interest in women’s basketball. “If you put really any women’s sport on TV, people will fall in love with it,” she noted, highlighting how the newcomers’ college followings have translated into broader fan engagement. The influx of talent has also sparked conversations about salary structures, as the league moves toward a more competitive market.

‘A Backbone is Needed’: The Commissioner Debate

Cathy Englebert’s Tenure and Upcoming Retirement

In September 2024, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert will retire at the end of the 2025 season. Englebert’s eleven‑year tenure oversaw significant growth in team valuations, television ratings, and player salaries, but also strained relations with the players’ union. As of December 2025, the WNBA has not yet disclosed a successor, leaving the league in a transitional phase that many observers say demands clear, decisive leadership.

Why Cunningham Wants a Leader with ‘Backbone’

When asked about Englebert’s impending departure, Cunningham offered a mix of acknowledgment and critique. “I think Adam Silver does a phenomenal job of having a relationship with his NBA players,” she said, implicitly contrasting that with what she perceives as a communications gap in the WNBA. “We need someone who has a backbone,” she emphasized, noting that players have long requested more transparency from league leadership. Recent media reports, including a July clip of broadcaster Dan Patrick questioning Englebert about cancelled interviews, underscore the tension between the league’s public profile and its internal dialogue with athletes.

From $28K Rookie Pay to New Global Opportunities

Evolution of Player Compensation

Cunningham recalled that her rookie contract “barely covered my expenses,” estimating her post‑tax earnings at roughly $28,000 for that season. The base salary figure of $42,570 aligns with publicly available contract data. The March 2024 collective‑bargaining agreement reshaped the financial landscape, raising the team salary cap to $7 million starting in 2026 and establishing super‑max deals near $1.4 million. “We’re all making good money now,” she observed, noting that the new CBA also introduced a salary‑cap exemption for pregnancy and childbirth—an improvement she called “a fix we needed.”

Joining Project B: Winter Play Overseas

After the 2025 season, Cunningham will suit up for Project B, a fledgling global women’s league that promises guaranteed salaries starting at $2 million. The touring format features six teams traveling to China, Singapore, Spain, and Germany from November through April, with roughly ten days of games per month. Cunningham, who also launched the basketball‑focused podcast “No Hesitation” with trainer Drew Hanlen, sees Project B as an opportunity to test her skills against elite competition while expanding the reach of women’s basketball internationally.

Off‑Court Challenges: Safety, Security, and Public Scrutiny

Personal Safety Incidents and Legal Action

In June 2024, Kevin Singh, 48, was charged with stalking, harassment, and intimidation after allegedly sending Cunningham threatening and explicit messages on social media. He pleaded not guilty and remains jailed in Marion County; a judge denied his motion to reduce his $40,000 bond. According to the Marion County Superior Court docket, the case is currently pending, with a pre‑trial conference scheduled for early 2026. Cunningham has spoken openly about the incident, noting that the FBI is monitoring roughly 20 individuals she believes pose a risk to her safety. She joked about renaming her miniature donkey—also named Kevin—to distance the association.

Growth of WNBA Security Measures

Cunningham recalled that during her first five seasons, players had minimal security detail. A memorable episode occurred at the Phoenix airport, where a crowd surged around teammate Brittney Griner; a man carrying Griner’s bags swung them, striking Cunningham in the nose and leaving her with a black eye. In response to rising visibility and occasional fan misconduct—including a sex‑toy projectile thrown onto the court during an August 2025 Los Angeles game—the league has expanded security protocols. Cunningham noted that while security has improved, the balance between open fan access and player safety remains a work in progress.

Drama, the Anthem, and Faith Behind the Game

Navigating WNBA Drama and Rivals

Cunningham dismissed much of the drama that dominates online discourse. “I’m telling you 90 % of WNBA drama is made up s***,” she said on Von’s podcast, adding that her new podcast aims to focus purely on the game. She defended rivalries as a natural part of competition, stating, “It’s okay to be a female and compete and have rivalries. That’s what sports is.”

The National Anthem Debate and Patriotic Stance

During the 2024 WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court before the national anthem, a protest that has been replicated by several teams over the years. Cunningham, who has relatives in the military, expressed gratitude for those who serve and affirmed her pride in being an American. “I take a lot of pride in where I come from, and I’m proud to be an American citizen,” she said. “That doesn’t mean that’s where everyone stands.” The ongoing anthem discussions continue to shape public perception of the league.

Faith as a Personal Anchor

Cunningham, who was baptized as an adult in April 2025 after returning to the Fever, described her Christian faith as a stabilizing force amid praise and criticism. “I don’t care what people’s opinions are about me because I’m not living for their praise,” she reflected. She also addressed speculation about appearing on the reality show “Love Island,” firmly denying any plans. “No. Why would I go on Love Island?” she chuckled, emphasizing her current focus on faith, basketball, and family.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the WNBA

Looking forward, Cunningham sees the WNBA at a pivotal moment. The upcoming commissioner search, the expansion of player rights under the new CBA, and the rise of global leagues like Project B all signal a shift toward greater empowerment for female athletes. She remains committed to her podcast “No Hesitation,” which she describes as “strictly basketball,” and to playing overseas during the winter months. As fans continue to tune in and search for stories about leadership, compensation, and safety, Cunningham’s candid voice will likely remain a central part of the conversation.

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