Sophie Cunningham Pushes For Former Players To Join WNBA Referee Pool To Raise Officiating Standards

Everyone is hyped for the 2026 season, with new teams and probably much-changed rosters following the massive free agency pool. While the WNBA looked to improve on every possible aspect of the game, to give players and fans a better experience, one issue that could still adversely impact the efforts is officiating. But Sophie Cunningham has a solution to this.

Interestingly, Cunningham received three fines during the 2025 season following her comments on the referee. Cunningham even slammed the third fine as she mentioned that she didn’t say anything offensive. But now, with her solution and better officiating, the player might get some relief from those fines, too.

Sophie Cunningham’s Plan To Improve WNBA Officiating

The Fever forward was vocal about the officiating errors and even cracked jokes about the same on her podcast and TikTok videos. But in the recent episode, with ESPN’s Holly Rowe as the guest, she found a perfect solution to improve the WNBA refereeing quality.

Talking on the subject, Rowe said, “Referring is an issue, and we saw that last season. The problem is to become a ref at the highest level, you have to start out probably in high school, probably in low college. So, one of the ways I think we could improve referring is to get more former players who may be didn’t make it as a pro. I think we need more former players refereeing.”

“I want us to be growing our former players into this referee pool.” ⁰⁰Can high-level ex-players help raise the level of officiating in the WNBA? #MarriottBonvoyPartner pic.twitter.com/gQIjCvP0uU

— Show Me Something (@ShowMe_Pod) April 8, 2026

While Rowe provided an example of her idea, Cunningham also agreed with the analyst. It’s important to note that her podcast offered many valuable suggestions and different angles on topics, but this one would be the most beneficial for the league.

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Also, the podcast landed her a gig on Good Morning America, which fans loved. And he even now landed another similar offer in the 2026 season.

Sophie Cunningham Lands New Job Amid Free Agency Uncertainty

The former Mercury star already worked as a reporter and analyst while playing in Phoenix, during her time in Indiana. She received many other offers also. Recently, the NBC network revealed Sue Bird as part of its team for the WNBA games, and the 29-year-old forward will also join the USA Network’s WNBA coverage this season as a contributor.

“I’m back baby and with a NEW SQUAAAAD!!” Cunningham posted. “I’m joining the USA Sports team throughout the year to contribute to studio coverage of WNBA games on USA Network.”

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Although this job doesn’t rule her out of the free agency or WNBA, it would be interesting to see the ‘unapologetic’ Cunningham talking about the game.