Cheryl Miller says Cathy Engelbert’s successor should relate to players, stand firm and handle problems involving them, while keeping the focus on basketball. Engelbert plans to retire after this season, with her term ending Dec. 31.
Miller gave her view during a recent appearance with Sue Bird on NBC’s Fanta in 60. She said the next commissioner should remind players they do not have to answer every question and keep discussion focused on the game. NBA commissioner Adam Silver is leading the search for Engelbert’s successor over the next four months.
Engelbert told the Associated Press she had expected to serve 3½ years but stayed 7½, citing the collective bargaining agreement, a long-term media-rights deal and expansion. The article reports average WNBA franchise value rose from $10 million in 2019 to $460 million seven years later. Her tenure also drew criticism: Breanna Stewart said Engelbert had not built a personal relationship with players right away. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson accused Engelbert of not doing enough in response to online harassment and said players faced an unsafe space in arenas, at home and online.
