Sophie Cunningham’s arrival in Indiana ahead of the 2025 WNBA season came with high expectations. After six years with the Phoenix Mercury, the veteran guard joined the Fever in a four-team trade to add defense and shooting depth. In her first season with Indiana, she was a steady voice in the locker room and averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 30 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in August.
Beyond her play, Cunningham has earned a reputation for being one of the WNBA’s most outspoken players — unafraid to share her opinions on league issues, culture and equality. Her confidence and candor have made her a recognizable and respected figure across women’s basketball.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) had something to say about the Terry Rozier issue.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images


It was no surprise, then, that Cunningham reacted to one of the most talked-about stories in the basketball world this week.
On Thursday, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested by federal authorities on conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering charges tied to an alleged illegal sports betting operation (via ESPN’s Shams Charania).
Following the news, a report confirmed that Rozier is still set to receive his full $26 million salary this year while on administrative leave, as corroborated by Front Office Sports.
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Cunningham soon took to X to express her surprise:
“No way. please tell me this is fake…”
The claim stems from Exhibit F-7 of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, which states that a player placed on administrative leave “shall be ineligible to play in any of his team’s games. However, the player will continue to receive his salary and other welfare benefits to which he would be entitled as an active player.”
Cunningham’s reaction comes at a time when WNBA players continue to push for better pay and visibility. However, it’s unclear if her response is directly tied to the ongoing conversation surrounding player salaries in women’s basketball.
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As for Cunningham’s future in the WNBA, she recently confirmed she is no longer under contract with Indiana after becoming a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. While she has expressed interest in returning to the team, no new deal has been finalized yet and it remains to be seen if she will suit up in a Fever jersey next season.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Makes Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever Role Public
Related: Caitlin Clark’s $28 Million Decision Called Out After Big Development
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
