Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) has thrown her hat into the ring for the WNBA's top job, jokingly offering to replace outgoing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. In a post on X Friday, Craig wrote, “Hey, @WNBA, I’m a free agent in January,” a nod to her recent primary defeat and the league’s search for new leadership.
Craig’s bid comes days after Engelbert announced her departure following seven seasons at the helm. Under Engelbert, the league expanded from 12 to 15 teams, with plans to grow to 18 by 2030, and saw record viewership and attendance. But her tenure was not without controversy, particularly over the league’s stance on transgender athletes.
Craig, a Minnesota Democrat and co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, has been a vocal opponent of Republican-led efforts to restrict transgender participation in sports. In 2020, she called the “Protect Women’s Sports Act” transphobic and said such discrimination has no place in Congress. Her position contrasts with that of Engelbert, who described the issue as “complex and nuanced” and said the league would continue discussions.
The debate was reignited by comments from Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who said she wanted to advocate for “young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” Craig’s response to the controversy could be a key factor if the league considers her for the role.
Craig’s interest in the commissioner job also highlights her deep connection to the WNBA. She has been an avid supporter of the Minnesota Lynx and even made a friendly wager with Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) over the 2024 finals between the Lynx and the New York Liberty. However, she declined to honor the bet after a controversial call, a move that endeared her to many fans.
Her political career, though, took a hit in August when she lost the Democratic Senate primary to Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a victory for the party’s progressive wing. That defeat, detailed in coverage of the primary results, left Craig without a clear political future and may have prompted her playful application.
Whether the WNBA takes Craig seriously remains to be seen. The league has faced pressure from both sides of the political aisle on transgender issues, and a commissioner with Craig’s legislative experience could help navigate that minefield. But her lack of sports management experience might be a hurdle.
For now, Craig’s post has generated buzz and a mix of reactions, from amusement to speculation about her next move. If the WNBA doesn’t call, she could always return to politics—or perhaps find a role in another league.
