Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has never been shy about sharing her opinions, and during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, she made headlines again. While the Games have delivered standout performances in alpine skiing, hockey and figure skating, Cunningham admitted there is one event she simply does not understand: curling.
Speaking on her “Show Me Something” podcast, Cunningham questioned how sports such as curling qualifies as an Olympic discipline.
“I don’t understand the curling. I don’t understand. What makes something first, a sport, and not a hobby? And second, who qualifies it as an Olympic Sport,” Cunningham asked.
“And I’m not discrediting these athletes because I know I couldn’t do what they’re doing. But I just like, I watch some of these things, and I’m like, okay, how or like why?”
Cunningham‘s remarks quickly circulated across social media, adding to what has been a vocal week for the 29-year-old.
Though she clarified that she was not diminishing the skill required to compete, Cunningham‘s candid tone sparked debate among Olympic fans, who view curling as one of the Games’ most strategic and technically demanding events.
Cunningham airs her views again
The controversy that emerged from the Canada team’s tactics was controversial enough to make global headlines, which may suggest Cunningham has got this wrong one.
The Olympic spotlight is not the only arena where Cunningham has expressed strong opinions recently. Earlier in the week, she made waves with comments about her experiences in Los Angeles.
“So, I promise you I’m not being judgmental because I think there’s a place for legit everyone, and some people thrive in different areas. I don’t think I’m an LA girl,” Cunningham said on TikTok.
“Like, at all. It’s just weird. People don’t dance. People don’t even like say, ‘Hi.’ They have no personalities. They have no personalities, and they all look the same. It’s weird. Please tell me that’s not weird.
“All these personalities you see on like Instagram and TikTok, all these famous influencers, I like how they found a space where they can feel like themselves and gain confidence online, but if you can’t speak to people or look people in the eye, like in person … is that not weird.”
An offseason move in the pipeline
While her off-court commentary grabbed headlines, Cunningham‘s professional future is also drawing attention. The WNBA is in the process of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, and once finalized, the focus will shift to free agency.
Cunningham is expected to hit the open market ahead of the 2026 season, and fans of the Fever are eager to see whether she will return.
During the 2025 season, Cunningham averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game before suffering a torn MCL. Despite the injury setback, she provided a steady veteran presence, particularly during stretches when Caitlin Clark was sidelined.
“We missed her [Clark] out on the court this year, but depending on the CBA and what’s going on hopefully we’re all together again,” Cunningham said.
For now, Cunningham remains focused on recovery and monitoring both league developments and Olympic competition – curling included. Her remarks show she isn’t afraid to give her view, but some might interpret her comments the wrong way after slamming the relevance of curling.
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