Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Fires Back After Most Recent WNBA Fine

 

 

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is standing firm amid growing controversy, becoming the unlikely lightning rod of the WNBA’s expanding debate over player expression and officiating.

The latest blow came after the August 13 episode of Cunningham’s podcast Show Me Something, where she addressed the officiating in an August 12 game against the Dallas Wings. Cunningham, defending rookie Paige Bueckers, stated, “I love Paige … but those refs were giving her every whistle. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her.” Though she said she meant no disrespect, the league swiftly issued her a third fine. “I’m officially 3‑for‑3 on being fined by the WNBA,” Cunningham reported, chuckling, “They didn’t like my comments on Paige Bueckers.”

Her earlier run‑ins with league discipline include a $500 penalty for a TikTok video lip‑syncing a Sabrina Carpenter lyric seemingly directed at referees, and a $1,500 fine following criticism of officiating in the debut episode of her podcast.

Cunningham has not just accepted the fines—she’s openly mocked them. After the TikTok fine, she responded on X (formerly Twitter): “I got fined $500 for this TikTok… idk why this is funny to me… like ok 👍 you got it bud! Cause there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now.” And following her podcast fine, she told reporters, “What? This is just the beginning!” recounting how the league notified her through the team’s GM.

Public response has been equally stinging. Fans have rallied behind Cunningham, with one writing, “Sophie got fined for speaking the truth,” and others organizing online funds to cover her fine. Commentary ranging from biting to humorous reflects frustration with officiating and league priorities.

Even Paige Bueckers, the subject of the latest comment, has responded gracefully, saying, “Everyone is entitled to their own unique personal opinion.”

Cunningham’s persistent stand against perceived bias in officiating arrives amid broader challenges for the Fever. The team’s championship aspirations have been derailed by injuries—including Cunningham’s own season‑ending MCL tear—and widespread roster instability. Yet, through it all, Cunningham has held court, continuing to advocate for transparency, accountability, and for her teammates.

Key highlights:

Fine # Incident Amount Cunningham’s Response

1 TikTok criticizing referees $500 Called it “funny” and questioned league priorities

2 Podcast debut comments on officiating $1,500 Mocked the penalty; forewarned more to come

3 Podcast remark on Paige Bueckers officiating Unspecified Joked she’s “3‑for‑3” on being fined; said she didn’t “even say anything bad”

Takeaway: Sophie Cunningham’s repeated fines reflect a wider tension in the between maintaining league image and allowing player voice. As the Fever navigate a season marred by injuries and setbacks, Cunningham’s bold stance continues to ignite conversations about the role of athletes as advocates and the league’s capacity for open dialogue.