‘The League Is Doomed,’ ‘How Is This Real?’ – Basketball World Baffled As Adam Silver Seeks Sophie Cunningham’s Input on Next WNBA Commissioner

Basketball

Speaking to Colin Cowherd earlier this month, Sophie Cunningham had made it abundantly clear what WNBA players expect from their league leadership moving forward, asserting that she wanted a commissioner who would listen, build genuine relationships, and fight in their corner to grow the game together.

However, nobody expected that Cunningham herself would soon become part of the conversation surrounding the search for Cathy Engelbert’s successor.

Basketball Latest Revelation Regarding Sophie Cunningham Is Making Rounds Around the Internet

During Monday’s media availability, the Indiana Fever guard revealed that she had spoken with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who wanted to hear her thoughts on who should become the next WNBA commissioner.

“I have talked to Adam Silver a couple of times, and I think he’s a great guy. He was very knowledgeable and full of wisdom,” Cunningham said.

“Getting to talk to him and hear his perspective on how he approaches the NBA is huge, and who he’s kind of looking for. I think if you want to know the real answers, you go to him.”

“But I think he’s going to put someone in place who really wants to take our league to another level than it’s already at. Our league is booming, so why would we not want someone who’s going to make it even more booming?”

MORE: ‘Deeply Disappointing’ — WNBPA Director Calls Out NFL, NBA for Excluding WNBA in Betting-Related Harassment Statement

The revelation quickly caught fire on social media, with fans struggling to process the unexpected development.

The initial reactions from much of the WNBA world were marked by concern, as fans questioned what it could mean for the league if Cunningham was among those consulted about the next commissioner.

“The league is doomed…” one influencer said.

The league is doomed… https://t.co/pdTjLNXKpl pic.twitter.com/lVGwit8Qqx

— DonArtistry (@TheMindOfEli_) September 16, 2026

Another user commented, “You can’t be serious”

Several people appeared to be in disbelief and assumed the report came from NBA Centel, the well-known NBA parody account that regularly posts fabricated or satirical basketball news.

But the confusion quickly subsided when people realized the story was legitimate.

“Centel done damage to me cos how is this real,” wrote one influencer, whereas another one said, “Had to read this 5 times to make sure this wasn’t Centel.”

Centel done damage to me cos how is this real

— S477id (@s77kos) September 16, 2026

The discussion became even more amusing when the Centel parody account itself appeared to acknowledge the situation’s bizarre nature, reacting with an AI-generated image.

https://t.co/TfWX1s6gWW pic.twitter.com/ZsaWtjUpyK

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) September 16, 2026

Silver’s outreach does not mean Cunningham will determine who succeeds Engelbert, and neither Silver nor the NBA has publicly disclosed the specifics of their discussion.

Nonetheless, the revelation has ensured that the Fever guard’s voice is now part of the public conversation surrounding one of the most important leadership changes in recent WNBA history.

Read More Rohit De

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