# Carmelo Anthony: WNBA Commissioner Must Prioritize Player Safety

> Carmelo Anthony says WNBA's next commissioner must protect players from safety risks.
- Title: Carmelo Anthony: WNBA Commissioner Must Prioritize Player…
- Summary: Carmelo Anthony says WNBA's next commissioner must protect players from safety risks. Carmelo Anthony urges WNBA's new commissioner to prioritize player…
- Keywords: carmelo anthony, wnba, wnba commissioner, player safety, transgender eligibility, national anthem protests, wnba draft, wnba season, news, politics, Carmelo, Anthony
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/carmelo-anthony-says-wnba-next-commissioner-must-prioritize-safety-protect-players
- Author: Scott Thompson
- Published: 2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carmelo anthony, wnba, wnba commissioner, player safety, transgender eligibility, national anthem protests, wnba draft, wnba season, news, politics
## Carmelo Anthony on WNBA growth
NBA legend Carmelo Anthony says the WNBA is growing in popularity with 91 million unique viewers and 3.8 million fans attending games.
## WNBA's safety concerns
The league faces transgender athlete eligibility debates and national anthem protests after players like Freedom and White declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
## Cathy Engelbert retiring
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of the 2026 calendar year, with the league choosing a new commissioner next season.
## Carmelo Anthony's priority
Anthony says the new commissioner must invest in players and protect them to make the WNBA the best women's league globally.
## Player partnership approach
Anthony emphasizes collaboration with players, wanting to hear their feedback on issues to build the league together.
## Transgender eligibility debate
The league's rules allow transgender athletes but lack a clear definition of 'woman,' causing disputes with players like Freedom and White.
## National anthem protests
Teams have walked off the court during WNBA Finals before the national anthem, drawing criticism for breaking league traditions.
## Carmelo Anthony's view on growth
Anthony loves the WNBA's growth, talent, and skill level, calling it a 'beautiful thing' to watch the league evolve.
## DraftKings partnership
Anthony partners with DraftKings for a national campaign with Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas to promote basketball across all 50 states.
## What happens next
The WNBA will choose a new commissioner next season to address player safety and league growth concerns.
## Key takeaway

Carmelo Anthony urges WNBA's new commissioner to prioritize player safety amid transgender eligibility debates and anthem protests.