PHOENIX — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver declined to address the Sports Business Journal’s report that he was involved in Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas’ suspension last month.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!![[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Jan 23, 2025; Paris, FRANCE; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks before the Paris Games 2025 NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters via Imagn Images](https://i0.wp.com/burncitysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_25251735_168398863_lowres.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1)
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Jan 23, 2025; Paris, FRANCE; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks before the Paris Games 2025 NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters via Imagn Images
The suspension stemmed from Thomas’ loose-ball collision with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, with the league issuing the Mercury forward a one-game suspension after upgrading the play to a Flagrant 2 foul. The SBJ reported earlier this week that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert had not planned to suspend Thomas but that Silver’s involvement changed the outcome.
Speaking Thursday at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit, Silver was asked directly whether he intervened after the incident.
Adam Silver addressed the recent incidents involving Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/cPd5sCVmYk
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 17, 2026
“I’m not going to comment on that at all,” Silver said. “I don’t think it’s fair to Caitlin, and to Cathy Engelbert either. I think that’s not the real issue here.”
Silver acknowledged the WNBA can improve its officiating but suggested the broader conversation has overshadowed the game itself.
“Do we need to improve WNBA officiating? No doubt about it,” Silver said. “But I really think this is an opportunity to support Caitlin and let her be the best basketball player she can be.”
Jun 3, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles against the Seattle Storm during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
While Silver avoided addressing the report directly, it has fueled debate throughout the league. Players, fans and media have questioned the WNBA’s disciplinary process, particularly what types of plays warrant postgame review and where the line should be drawn between physical basketball and suspendable offenses.
Those questions are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Silver’s refusal to confirm or deny the report leaves uncertainty about how disciplinary decisions are ultimately made and whether outside influence played a role in Thomas’ suspension. The bigger question may be what precedent the decision sets.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever, 111-109. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If a loose-ball play can result in a one-game suspension under these circumstances, future physical plays involving Phoenix — or any team — could face the same level of scrutiny, making Thomas’ case one that may continue to shape conversations.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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