Diplomacy does not seem to be part of Sophie Cunningham’s vocabulary. For the Indiana Fever guard, things must be said without filters. She believes that by speaking candidly, she gives voice to her teammates across the WNBA.
Cunningham first made waves when she openly dismissed the league’s planned expansion cities, saying she disliked the choices of Cleveland and Detroit. In her view, other markets like Miami, Kansas City, or Nashville were better suited to host new WNBA teams.
Unsurprisingly, those remarks triggered a strong backlash, particularly from fans in the cities she criticized. Yet despite the outrage, Cunningham remains firm in her beliefs, continuing to stand by what she has said before on the subject.
Her defense of Caitlin Clark
Another moment that cemented Cunningham’s reputation came when she rushed to defend teammate Caitlin Clark – currently sidelined after aggravating a groin injury – during a physical matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Opponents were playing Clark aggressively, prompting Cunningham to step in and protect her.
After the game, she doubled down, criticizing the officiating and its lack of control.
Buildup for a couple of years.
Later, on her podcast with West Wilson, Show Me Something, Cunningham made it clear she would not hesitate to defend Clark again. She openly blasted WNBA referees, calling out what she perceives as an emotional approach from officials.
The biggest issue about the female side of refs is that they’re so emotional. Like the NBA players m********k those officials like no other.
She said.
Cunningham then shifted to praise one of the league’s legends, offering a candid observation about Diana Taurasi.
The only person that I’ve ever seen able to like m********k a ref on the women’s side is Diana Terasi… She’s probably one of the worst people that I’ve seen go after refs, and I loved every second of it.
Cunningham insists her criticisms have nothing to do with gender, arguing instead that officiating has become too emotional. She admits her outspoken approach has drawn hate, but remains unapologetic.
Reactions to her outspoken style
Wilson asked Cunningham if other players share her willingness to speak out about controversial topics, whether officiating or expansion markets. Cunningham’s response was emphatic:
I am someone who says what everyone else is thinking or talking about, not just with the refs, but with Detroit and Cleveland. I want people to hear what I just said. I am the only one. But if you ask our league, they feel the same way.
Speaking without filters often invites backlash. Cunningham seems comfortable in that role, embracing both the criticism and the attention, convinced she is voicing what many in the league quietly feel.
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