Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham was fined $1,500 by the WNBA following comments she made criticizing league referees on the second episode of her new podcast, Show Me Something. This penalty comes just weeks after Cunningham was fined $500 for a TikTok video targeting officials. These repeated fines highlight ongoing tensions between Cunningham and the WNBA over officiating concerns.
Cunningham Opens Up on Podcast About Officiating Issues
In the podcast’s debut, Cunningham discussed a June incident with the Connecticut Sun where she was ejected, calling the referees inconsistent even on basic foul calls. She expressed feeling encouraged to speak out on officiating problems, believing that fans and insiders largely share her frustrations. Cunningham said,
“Everyone’s like, what is going on with the refs? And I’m like, ‘I don’t know,’”
“And you fining me $500 is not going to do sh*t.”
Despite attempts to moderate her critique, Cunningham revealed that these remarks led to the league escalating her fine in the second podcast episode. She also said,
“I even … credited them that their job was hard,”
“I did say that, and I said that I would not be good at it.”
Player Unmoved by League’s Response, Plans to Keep Speaking Out
Cunningham indicated she expects a continued clash with WNBA officials but appears determined not to be silenced by financial penalties. She stated,
“I’m starting to think that the WNBA is starting to have some beef with my comments, but more than 95 percent of the population who watches the WNBA agrees with me,”
The forward is well known for being outspoken, often involved in on-court conflicts and outspoken criticism of league policies, including expansion plans and refereeing. She has also been a vocal presence during current collective bargaining negotiations, reinforcing her role as a fierce advocate for players.
Implications for Player-League Relations and Future Disputes
The fines against Cunningham underscore growing rifts within the WNBA as players push back against officiating standards and league management decisions. Cunningham’s refusal to back down signals continued debate over referee consistency and player treatment. With negotiations and public criticism intensifying, the league faces ongoing challenges balancing discipline with players’ freedom to voice concerns.