NBA Commissioner’s reported intervention in WNBA disciplinary action sparks governance questions
The Sports Business Journal claims NBA leadership influenced the Flagrant 2 penalty against Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, raising questions about inter-league dynamics and the tenure of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert.
The WNBA has issued a one-game suspension and a $1,000 fine to Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas following an altercation with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, classifying the incident as a Flagrant 2 penalty. While the league has officially rejected claims that Commissioner Cathy Englebert initially resisted imposing the suspension, reporting from the Sports Business Journal suggests significant external pressure influenced the disciplinary outcome.
According to the report, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly convinced Englebert to proceed with the suspension, despite her initial reluctance. Sources indicated that Englebert was hesitant to act because no foul was called on Thomas during the game. However, Silver is said to have argued that there was clear evidence of a flagrant foul and expressed sympathy for Clark, urging Englebert to take action.
The WNBA issued a statement describing reports that Englebert had initially refused to suspend Thomas as “absolutely false.” The league maintains that the decision was made in accordance with its disciplinary protocols. The incident, which involved Thomas pushing down on Clark’s neck, was highlighted in a now-deleted social media post by James Boyd on June 25, 2026, though the league’s penalty was issued subsequently.
Englebert is currently in the final season of her contract as WNBA Commissioner. The Sports Business Journal noted that some observers interpret Silver’s reported intervention as an indicator that Englebert may be nearing the end of her tenure. The report suggests that the need for external persuasion to enforce discipline could reflect broader governance concerns within the league.
Adam Silver addressed the WNBA during an NBA Summer League news conference on Tuesday but declined to comment on the specific reports regarding his involvement in Thomas’s suspension. He did, however, praise the progress the WNBA has made under Englebert’s leadership, stating she continues to do a strong job building the league. When asked about the future of Englebert’s position, Silver noted that discussions regarding what the future looks like are ongoing.
