The WNBA is once again in the news, but this time it’s not the vibrance and positivity that became the highlight. At present, the WNBA realm is under the clouds of equal pay demands. Athletes have been constantly asking for equal pay in relation to their NBA counterparts. And now, to add further fuel to the fire, Sophie Cunningham has opened a widespread controversy.
Recently, Cunningham expressed her discontent with the WNBA officiating. But she had her unique way of protesting about the same. As Cunningham posted a video on TikTok, the Indiana Fever star found herself in deep waters. The WNBA fined her for her expression, and fans were furious with the league.
Fans Enraged After News Of Sophie Cunningham’s Fine Goes Public
Sophie Cunningham decided to get creative with her protest. The Fever guard lip-synced to Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Manchild.’ With the lyrics, “Stupid, or is it slow? Maybe it’s useless.” Taking a dig at the referees, Cunningham captioned her post, “@ some refs.”
I got fined $500 for this TikTok 🤣🤣 idk why this is funny to me… like ok 👍🏼 you got it bud! Cause there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now pic.twitter.com/ELAlguHhMQ
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 23, 2025
Such a stance from the WNBA star did not go unnoticed by the league, which immediately took action. A recent update revealed that Cunningham was fined $500 for her actions. With the news now out in public, the hoops fans went off immediately. They pointed out how the WNBA was a ‘worst-run’ league, as they seemed to be bothered more by issues that could have been easily ignored.
“The @WNBA fined you for this video? This league is the worst run league in the history of sports” commented a fan.
The @WNBA fined you for this video? This league is the worst run league in the history of sports
— dmaudioeng (@dmaudioeng) July 23, 2025
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“Imagine Steph Curry going to the internet to post something this petty,” another said, drawing a comparison with the NBA.
Imagine Steph Curry going to the internet to post something this petty.
— Scooter (@blueturbojetta) July 23, 2025
“Damn That’s like half your salary how will you survive,” mocked a user.
Damn That’s like half your salary how will you survive
— 🧊 ᅠ (@OGICEY) July 23, 2025
“The endless WNBA war on the people who are bringing attention to their product while protecting the behavior that turns people off NEVER ceases to amazed me,” quipped another.
The endless WNBA war on the people who are bringing attention to their product while protecting the behavior that turns people off NEVER ceases to amazed me.
— Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) July 23, 2025
“They don’t want you to speak the truth,” chimed in a fan, agreeing with the narrative Cunningham posted.
They don’t want you to speak the truth
— Trent Harvey (@TheTrentHarvey) July 23, 2025
Cunningham, too, remained unfazed by the WNBA’s action. She pointed out that the entire incident seemed quite funny to her. She also stated that the WNBA had other important issues to deal with at the moment. Meanwhile, having had a mixed season so far, Cunningham recently extended her heartfelt gratitude to her fans.
Sophie Cunningham Calls Indiana Fever Fans The ‘Best’
The Indiana Fever has been struggling to hit the right chords this season. Till now, it has been quite a mixed season for Caitlin Clark and co. While they remain stuck in the seventh position, the Fever has won 12 while losing on 12 occasions. But even then, the fans have not given up on the team. And Sophie Cunningham cannot be happier about the same. In a recent statement, Cunningham showered praise on her supporters.

“I think we have the best fans in the whole W, and I know every team says that. But they’re lying because I’m telling the truth. We have to protect our homecourt, and when we can fire up these fans, they’re feisty, they’re sassy, they’re kinda just like me,” said Cunningham.
Thus, with a lot going on, fans now wait to see how things pan out for Cunningham and co. in the future.
Also Read: Sophie Cunningham Teases Mic’d-Up Caitlin Clark For Viral Play-Calling At WNBA AIl-Star Weekend











