With the 2025 WNBA season going into the Finals, there’s no end to the league commissioner’s pain. After Napheesa Collier criticized Cathy Engelbert for a lack of accountability, the league seemed to pour it all on her.
Recently, Sophie Cunningham has directed a new row of criticism over pay disparity. The Indiana Fever star guard is leading the charge for players’ fair share in the WNBA’s revenue.
Sophie Cunningham Opens Up On WNBA Revenue Share
To nobody’s notice, a rebellion is brewing in the WNBA, with the Fever guard joining Collier in challenging the league’s leadership and pay structure. However, her outspoken stance on the ‘Show Me Something’ podcast has fueled a new life in the ongoing drama.
Additionally, as the CBA nears its October 31 expiration, Cunningham’s call for fairness aligns with Collier’s cancelling a planned meeting with Engelbert. Cunningham didn’t mince words on her podcast, decrying the WNBA’s seven percent share of basketball-related income as “the most disrespectful percentage” any league has seen.
“I think all of us are in our agreement that our salaries should be tied to the business that we bring in. And it is not at all. It is the most disrespectful percentage that any league has ever seen,” Cunningham said.
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Additionally, she also argued that salaries should reflect the revenue players drive. The star guard cited a New York Times report suggesting a fair share could push max salaries to $4 million, just sixteen times the current $250,000 cap.
Cunningham Takes Open Shot At Cathy Engelbert
While subtly blasting the league for handling of the pay structure, Cunningham turned her ire directly at Engelbert. She bluntly called out the league commissioner that nobody really cares what she thinks.
“Cathy no one cares. Literally, no one cares,” she said.
Sophie Cunningham to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 4, 2025
“Cathy no one cares. Literally, no one cares.” 😬
(h/t @DayDreamThis)pic.twitter.com/fURBwCkbyQ
The remark targets the commissioner’s handling of player grievances, particularly after Collier’s scathing exit interview, which accused her of negligence and dismissive comments about Caitlin Clark’s earnings.