Sophie Cunningham Could Receive Another WNBA Fine After Latest Remarks
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By now, one would think Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham would have learned her lesson about public criticism of WNBA officials.
Twice already this season Cunningham has been fined by the league for disparaging remarks against its refs.
The first incident happened roughly two weeks ago when she posted a TikTok video on July 18 where she was lip-synching Sabrina Carpenter's song "Manchild," specifically mouthing the words "Stupid, or is it, slow? Or maybe, useless?" with the caption "@ some refs" across the screen.
That incident cost her $500.
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The second time came a little over a week ago when she, again, ripped on the refs for the inconsistency of their foul calls on the debut episode of her "Show Me Something" podcast, which she co-hosts with "Summer House" star West Wilson, which led to a $1,500 fine.
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever reacts to a three-point shot ahead of Satou Sabally #0 of the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of the WNBA game at PHX Arena on August 07,...
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever reacts to a three-point shot ahead of Satou Sabally #0 of the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of the WNBA game at PHX Arena on August 07, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Fever 95-60. More"I'm not saying that your job is easy, but when it is a simple call right in front of your face multiple times, what are you doing?" Cunningham asked. "They're just so inconsistent, like that's one thing. If you're on the other team, and you're going to be fouling the [expletive] out of me, cool. But let me do it to you.
"I think players across the league, and new fans across the country are 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 [expletive]."
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And now Cunningham is back on her podcast, yet again, putting WNBA officials on blast for what she perceived as favoritism of Dallas Stars rookie star Paige Bueckers in Tuesday's 81-80 win over the Fever.
Sophie Cunningham RIPS WNBA REFS over Paige Bueckers special whistle😬
'Those refs were given her every freaking whistle last night'
'To get the treatment she got last night was crazy' pic.twitter.com/QxTQ8q3a2G — Jmac| Ball Up 🏀| WNBA & NBA | (@Gameis_gameLFG) August 13, 2025
"I love Paige to death — do not get me wrong, I think she's a hell of a player and like I would love to play with her one day — but those refs were giving her every [expletive] whistle last night," Cunningham said.
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"Like, you literally couldn't touch her, and that [expletive] is so annoying to me. And if you're going to do that, give it to our guards. We know she's a good rookie and she's going to get some whistles, but like to get the treatment she got last night, was crazy."
While it's not guaranteed that Cunningham will be fined a third time, it's a safe bet considering how strict the WNBA is with its crackdown on being critical of its officials.
Interestingly enough, Bueckers only attempted four free throws in Tuesday's contest (she made all four), and she finished with 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 35 minutes.
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