Renee Montgomery Cautions Friends Running for WNBA Commissioner

Renee Montgomery, a former WNBA All-Star, has expressed reservations about those aspiring to become the league's next commissioner. In an interview with Front Office Sports, Montgomery, who played 11 seasons and served on the WNBPA's executive committee, compared the role of the commissioner to that of a referee's. "Somebody is always going to be mad," she stated.

"It's not a job that gives you love back." Montgomery, who recently covered the WNBA Finals as an analyst for USA Network, revealed that she has friends vying for the position, and she is advising them to reconsider. "If some of my homies are up to be commissioner, it's like, 'Gosh, are you sure? Like, do you wanna do this? Because it’s no joke,'" she cautioned.

The WNBA is currently searching for a new commissioner to replace Cathy Engelbert, who is retiring after seven years at the helm. Engelbert, who has overseen record-high attendance and viewership, a $3 billion-plus media rights deal, and a transforming collective bargaining agreement, has faced criticism for not building personal relationships with top players like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson.

Montgomery emphasized the importance of communication and connection in the role of commissioner, stating that the next commissioner must be able to "communicate high-level and connect high-level" with everyone involved in the league.