While several WNBA free agents landed long-term contracts, Sophie Cunningham had to settle for a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever.
Cunningham averaged 8.6 points per game for the Fever in 2025 before suffering a season-ending MCL injury. Although last year's campaign ended on a sour note, she was amped up about returning to Indiana. At least that's what her fans thought.
“We had a really special group last year and it was an incredible first season for me in Indy; I loved everything about my teammates and the Fever organization. We fought through a ton of adversity, and it was important to me that we have a chance to see through what we started,” Cunningham said in a press release. “I have a feeling this is going to be another special season, so I’m excited to get things started and to, of course, keep playing in front of the best fans in the WNBA. Let’s get spicy!”
According to reports, Cunningham will make roughly $665,000 this upcoming season.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
During the latest episode of her "Show Me Something" podcast, Cunningham admit this year's free agency period was tough for her because she didn't get the chance to prove that she's back to full strength.
"It’s tough, because I came off an injury, and I haven’t been in front of any teams. I had a lot going on this offseason," Cunningham said. "I was fully cleared, they had all the doctors, they had the numbers and everything. But if you don’t get in front of these people, it’s like, 'Hey, are you actually good?'
"I’m not even gonna lie to you, though, it’s a little, kind of, frustrating. Because I’m someone who, I kind of shoot it straight. If I wasn’t feeling good or was hesitant, I think I would have said something and been honest. Because I’m just at the point in my career where I just want to win. I just want to win. And so I’m not going to put my ego in front of things. And I know it is a business, but I just think I’m wired a little differently. I don’t know. I just want to win."
Yahoo Sports then shared that quote along with this caption: "Sophie Cunningham was not thrilled about the contract she signed with the Fever coming off of her MCL injury."
Is Sophie unhappy with the Fever?
On Monday night, Cunningham made it clear that she's not mad about the money she received from the Fever. If anything, she just wanted a long-term commitment.
"I’m gonna shut this down right now," Cunningham wrote on X. "I’m not mad about the money…. I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me. That’s it. That’s the truth. I think we have something very special here in Indiana!!"
Cunningham has already said her one-year contract is a "great wakeup call" heading into the 2026 season. We'll see if she raises her value for next year's free agency period.
