The WNBA is scanning every ‘comment on their operations or officiating’ and fining the commenting individuals connected to the league. Recently, Cheryl Reeve received $15,000 fine for her criticism about officiating, and Napheesa Collier also joked about a potential fine after her speech criticizing Cathy Engelbert. Sophie Cunningham is making sure she gets the financial backing and has started a fundraiser.
She posted on social media, urging fans to fund her fines and even provided a link. But what happened next was unexpected, and the Fever star had to come clean.
Sophie Cunningham To Donate Fundraiser Amount To Ronald McDonald House Charity
The 29-year-old forward is not new to fines from the WNBA, as her podcast reached a large number of listeners and her criticism drew the attention of league authorities. Earlier in the season, Cunningham spoke on the WNBA slapping her with $1500 fine. And after the conclusion of the season, she even started a fundraiser for her fines – probably for the future.
While she thought everyone would have a great laugh about it (the banner had ‘it’s a joke’ written over it), many fans started sending money to the link she provided. The Fever forward tried to explain the reasons behind her initiative, but the money kept coming. So, the Mercury rookie decided to donate the money to a charity, and she chose the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Confirming her decision, she wrote, “To be clear, whatever we raise here will be going directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities. I’ll take care of my own fines. Y’all are the best, though.”
To be clear, whatever we raise here will be going directly to Ronald McDonald House Charities. I’ll take care of my own fines. Y'all are the best though🫶🏼
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) October 2, 2025
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Moreover, she could be in trouble for her comments on Cathy Engelbert, as she said, “Fans know Cathy because of C (Caitlin Clark).” As she reacted to Napheesa Collier’s speech and wanted to set the record straight.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to families of sick or injured children. The motto of the organization is to provide ‘home away from home’ for needy people. While the Fever forward’s off-court endeavor received support from the fans, her immediate WNBA future is still unclear.
Sophie Cunningham to Return To Indiana Fever Next Season
The former Baylor player couldn’t complete her first full season with the Indiana Fever, missing 14 regular-season games and the entire playoffs due to injuries. Although her numbers were not flashy, she matched her career best stats, improving on her shooting efficiency at the same time. While the Fever lost in the semifinal, Cunningham warned the league competitors for the upcoming season.
Un-restricted free agent for the 2026 season, the 2019 rookie could pick any team, but her words, posts, and love she received from the Indiana fans suggest that the forward could well end up with the Fever team only.
Caitlin Clark also urged Cunningham to re-sign, allowing them to ‘run it back’ in the next season. The Indiana franchise will be looking at the season and will look to retain key players in the upcoming off-season.