SvnMorningNews

By Ethan Carter — 17 July 2026 — 4 min read

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently commented on the situation surrounding Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, describing her as a “political football” and stating that this is unfair to her. Speaking at the CNBC/Boardroom Game Plan event, Silver emphasized that the issues concerning Clark are not primarily about officiating. He noted that Clark is an exceptional player and person who wishes to concentrate on her game.

Silver’s remarks come after a notable incident on June 24 during a game between the Fever and the Phoenix Mercury. In the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 victory, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s neck with a closed fist while attempting to stand up during a loose-ball play. Following an appeal by the Fever, the WNBA retroactively assessed a flagrant 2 foul against Thomas and announced a one-game suspension.

Reports from the Sports Business Journal indicated that Silver had urged WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to issue the suspension. When questioned about this report, Silver did not deny its accuracy but chose not to comment further, citing fairness to both Clark and Engelbert. He reiterated his view that the broader issue is not whether a specific foul was flagrant, but rather the narrative that has developed around Clark.

Officiating and League Dynamics

Officiating in the WNBA has been a subject of discussion for several years, with concerns escalating since Clark joined the league in 2024. The level of physicality in games has led some coaches to question if there was a directive from league leadership to permit more physical play. Silver acknowledged that there is a clear need for improvement in officiating within the league.

To address these concerns, steps were taken during the offseason, including the formation of a task force comprising eight general managers and coaches. This group met to identify priorities such as calling illegal contact, enforcing the defensive three-second rule, and establishing clearer distinctions between legal and illegal contact. Additionally, long-time WNBA official Eric Brewton was appointed to a newly created advisor position. Despite these efforts, officiating issues have continued into the current season.

Silver further elaborated on his belief that the core problem is not officiating itself, but rather a “political ping-pong” dynamic centered around Clark. He expressed that it is unfair for Clark, a young woman focused on improving her game, to have a separate storyline emerge about specific foul calls.

Before Silver’s panel discussion, Engelbert also spoke, though she was not asked about the decision to suspend Thomas or Silver’s potential influence. She addressed how the league can expand while mitigating toxicity, describing the vitriol as “unacceptable” and highlighting the positive aspects of the game.

Commissioner’s Role and League Growth

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Engelbert initially did not intend to suspend Thomas, believing that a follow-up suspension was too severe given that no foul was called on the court during the game. However, these sources suggest Silver felt there was clear evidence of a flagrant foul, expressed concern for Clark, and advised Engelbert to take action. A WNBA spokesperson later stated that reports of Engelbert not initially planning the suspension were “absolutely false.”

Engelbert is in the final season of her current contract as WNBA commissioner. Some believe that Silver’s reported intervention in the Thomas suspension suggests that Engelbert may be in her final season in the role. She has served as commissioner since 2019 and has faced criticism regarding officiating and other matters. When asked about Engelbert’s future, Silver praised the league’s “tremendous progress” under her leadership and stated that she “continues to do a strong job building that league,” adding that there would be “ongoing discussions about what the future looks like.”

Silver highlighted his historical involvement with the WNBA’s origins, noting he was part of the group that developed the league’s initial business plan three decades ago. He commended the league’s growth, referencing “off-the-charts valuations” and crediting Clark with attracting a new audience to the WNBA. Silver concluded that this influx of attention created a “rising tide,” revealing the extensive talent present throughout the league beyond just Clark.

The retroactive flagrant 2 foul and one-game suspension for Alyssa Thomas were announced after the Fever’s appeal of the June 24 incident.

Source: nytimes.com