Sophie Cunningham says she's talked with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver amid search for WNBA's next commissioner, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/sophie-cunningham-talked-nba-commissioner-adam-silver-search-wnbas-next-commissioner)

According to the OutKick report on Fox News, Sophie Cunningham shared that she has spoken several times with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as he leads the search for the WNBA’s next commissioner following Cathy Engelbert’s announced retirement.Key details from the report include:

• Discussions with Adam Silver: Cunningham stated she has talked with Silver a couple of times, calling him “knowledgeable and full of wisdom” and noting that hearing his approach to running the NBA was very valuable.
• Capitalizing on Momentum: While Cunningham did not float specific candidate names, she expressed confidence that Silver will select someone committed to elevating the league, emphasizing that because the WNBA is currently booming, the next leader must push it to even higher levels.
• A “Players-First” Approach: Cunningham highlighted two critical qualities she wants in the next commissioner:
  • A unifying leader who can connect diverse players and maintain a safe, welcoming environment across the league.
  • A leader focused on building relationships with players through open communication and respect, acknowledging that while commissioners represent team owners and must make difficult decisions, maintaining a strong dialogue changes the dynamic positively.
• Context of the Search: The search comes as Cathy Engelbert, who took over as the league’s first commissioner in 2019, prepares to step down at the end of 2026. Engelbert’s tenure saw rapid increases in viewership, attendance, sponsorships, and expansion plans to reach 18 teams by 2030, alongside occasional friction with players.