NBA superstar and women’s sports investor Stephen Curry says he wants the next WNBA leader to keep the conversation about the league “focused on basketball.”
Speaking at Bethpage Black Golf Course during the annual Currie Cup youth golf competition, the Golden State Warriors guard told CNBC that some of the stories coming out of the WNBA this season are “unfortunate” because basketball is sometimes overshadowed by political and cultural controversy.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced on September 4 that she will retire at the end of 2026. Her tenure was marked by significant financial gains for the league and a new collective bargaining agreement, but was criticized for her handling of player concerns.
“Let’s talk basketball,” Curry said. “I think that’s going to be the biggest part of the job for whatever new leader comes in, knowing that Kathy is stepping down.”
Curry went on to praise the WNBA and its players amid record attendance and television ratings for the league.
“Let’s celebrate the amazing women who are great ambassadors of the game and focus on the product,” he added.
Curry, a four-time NBA champion who is entering her 18th season in the league, has long supported women’s sports. He is an investor in the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled.
Curry was also asked about hiring women for his signature line, the Curry Brand. Bloomberg reported that Curry was frustrated. under armor That’s because the company didn’t make a more aggressive effort to bring basketball superstar Caitlin Clark into his line.
“I’m going to go after everyone…I’ve had meetings with Kaitlyn and Paige (Bookers),” Curry said of his brand. “You’re trying to make sure you’re a market player.”
In November, Curry and Under Armor parted ways after 13 years together. He spent the season as a “sneaker free agent,” trying out different brands. In June, it signed a multi-year contract with Chinese brand Li-Ning.
