Sophie Cunningham is not the type to stay quiet when something disrupts her peace. The Indiana Fever star has built her reputation on speaking her mind and being transparent, a trait that has made her one of the most relatable and admired players in the franchise. Even during the off-season, Cunningham stays active on social media, keeping a strong connection with the fanbase she has nurtured in Indiana.
When a nail appointment turns into reflection
Recently, a routine visit to get her nails done became an unexpected moment of reflection. An older woman, blunt and without a filter, asked Cunningham why she didn’t have a ring on her finger and, if she wasn’t married, who she would kiss on New Year’s Eve.
The question caught her off guard, but rather than reacting negatively, Cunningham used the encounter to challenge long-standing New Year’s traditions. She joked that a slice of pepperoni pizza would be far preferable to an obligatory kiss, summing up her philosophy simply: better alone than poorly accompanied.
Redefining what matters
Cunningham’s reaction ties into broader conversations about women’s roles, autonomy, and expectations-both in society and in professional sports. The WNBA continues to push for better salaries and conditions to match those of the NBA.
With record-breaking viewership and attendance, the players now have leverage, but negotiations between the WNBA and the Players’ Association have stalled over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. If an agreement is not reached by January 9, the upcoming season could face delays. Team owners have proposed raising the minimum salary from $66,000 to $225,000, with top players earning a base of $1 million.
Cunningham’s stance on New Year’s traditions mirrors this fight for equality: just because something has always been expected-whether it’s starting the year with a ring, a kiss, or a partner-it doesn’t make it necessary. Her message resonates showing that empowerment can come from questioning norms and setting boundaries.
In a world that often expects women to follow certain paths, Sophie Cunningham reminds fans that some traditions are better left behind, and sometimes the best way to ring in the New Year is with confidence, independence, and yes-maybe even a slice of pizza.
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