Rep. Angie Craig Announces Candidacy for WNBA Commissioner

Rep. Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota, announced on the social‑media platform X that she is interested in becoming the next commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association, following the recent retirement of current commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Craig’s post, “Hey, @WNBA, I’m a free agent in January,” was made on Friday and signals her willingness to step into a role that has grown in visibility as the league expands its fan base and navigates ongoing controversies related to player activism and scheduling. Engelbert’s departure marks the first leadership change for the WNBA since its inception, and the position is expected to involve overseeing the league’s continued commercial growth and its response to social‑justice initiatives.

Craig, who previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, was defeated by Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat, ending her recent bid for higher office. Her expressed interest in the WNBA commissionership reflects a shift from legislative work to sports administration, though no formal application has been submitted and the league has not confirmed a selection timeline. The WNBA’s board of governors is expected to evaluate candidates in the coming months as the organization prepares for the 2025 season.