Sophie Cunningham Faces WNBA Fine Over Referee Criticism Once Again

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever has once again been penalized by the WNBA for speaking out about officiating concerns. Just after launching her new podcast, Show Me Something, Cunningham disclosed that the league fined her $1,500 following comments about referees. This penalty comes shortly after she was initially fined $500 for a TikTok video criticizing league officials. In the show's second episode, released Tuesday, Cunningham discussed an incident in mid-June involving an altercation with the Connecticut Sun that led to her ejection. She criticized WNBA referees, describing their calls as "inconsistent" even on seemingly straightforward fouls. Cunningham expressed her frustration, suggesting that her outspoken stance was fueled by a widespread belief among fans and insiders that officiating issues persist. "Everyone’s asking, ‘What’s up with the refs?’ and I just reply, ‘I don’t know,’" Cunningham stated. "Fining me $500 doesn’t change anything." Later in Episode Two, she revealed that her critical comments resulted in the increased fine, expressing surprise that the league took issue despite her attempts to qualify her criticism. "I even acknowledged that their job ...