Napheesa Collier’s exit interview went viral following her fiery speech, thrashing the league leadership’s accountability. The forward highlighted how Cathy Engelbert sees the league players as she gave an example of top rookies like Caitlin Clark. Everyone supported Collier, and now CC’s Fever teammate, Sophie Cunningham, gives her opinion.
During her podcast, ‘Show Me Something’, Cunningham openly calls out the WNBA to address physicality and improve officiating standards. She even talked about the commissioner’s words for Clark.
Sophie Cunningham Blasts Cathy Engelbert’s Comments For Caitlin Clark
Replying to Collier’s question over rookie pay, the top executive said that ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t be making anything’. Her comments drew heavy criticism. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt fired shots at Cathy Engelbert for a bold comment on CC.
However, on her podcast, Cunningham simplified things, yet was critical of Engelbert’s thoughts.
“Great leaders want to see other people be more successful than them. They want to make sure that they’re cared for. I get it, she’s the business side of it, but you can be respectful and treat your product, the product of why people are paying attention, why people are buying certain jerseys, treat your product with respect. Be a great leader, and she’s not in any sense. The disrespect is just crazy to me,” Cunningham said on the latest episode of her ‘Show Me Something’ podcast.
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The 29-year-old already mentioned that Clark is the face of the league, comparing her with Kobe Bryant, who drew fans across the world with his gameplay. Also, she highlighted Clark’s impact on the league, which contradicts Cathy Engelbert’s comments.
Moreover, the former Iowa star confirmed that she hadn’t heard from the WNBA Commissioner since Collier’s conference, which again is a big mistake from Engelbert, who was busy with new media deals rather than connecting with her players. As for the Fever duo, they showed great bond throughout the season, and the 23-year-old guard wants to run it back with the veteran forward.
Caitlin Clark Urges Sophie Cunningham To Stay With Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever season was over in a dramatic manner with an overtime loss against the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5. It was only the second time that the WNBA had overtime in an elimination game. Without star players on the floor, the Fever team gave a tough fight. Proud of the 2025 season, Cunningham shared some photos from her first Fever season.
While reacting to the post, Clark quickly wrote, “Time to run it back.” Both players share a special bond with Cunningham, earning the ‘Clark’s enforcer’ nickname. It’s important to know that the former Mercury player will be an unrestricted free agent in the off-season. But, with all the love shown by her teammates and fans, she might just re-sign with the Indiana franchise.