Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back this week when talking about all the uncertainty surrounding the WNBA.
On Monday, the WNBA and the players’ union met for a few hours to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement. Although the 2026 season is scheduled to begin in May, there’s no guarantee a deal will get done by then.
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“There was some disappointment on the players’ side, another source with knowledge of the situation said, because the league did not offer a response to the union’s proposal that was submitted in late December,” ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported. “The expectation coming out of Monday’s meeting, the source said, was that the league now understood that it was its turn to respond.”
During the latest episode of her “Show Me Something” podcast, Cunningham commented on the CBA negotiations.
“We had a big old meeting this week. Negotiations are in process in hopes of getting it moving because it has not been moving at all. Both sides are kind of getting frustrated, but I know, us players are holding our ground, so it should be interesting,” Cunningham said, via OutKick. “At the end of the day, depending on where these negotiations go, like if you give these players what they want. You’re gonna get all the best players; therefore, you’re gonna win. Therefore, your ticket sales are gonna be up. Everything’s gonna be up.”
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Cunningham continued, “It sucks because how our negotiations are going, it’s like we’re the laughingstock of sports right now.”
Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) warm up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images© David Butler II-Imagn Images
(© David Butler II-Imagn Images)
Cunningham then took a direct shot at WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
“Our commissioner, right now, even though we’re not agreeing on negotiations, we’re barely even talking at all. Like she could still go on other social media platforms and be like, ‘Hey, I believe in our product. I love our product.’ Because that gives off a different feel than just not saying anything and acting like we don’t exist.”
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This isn’t the first time Sophia has taken aim at the WNBA’s leadership.
A few months ago, the outspoken guard for the Fever ripped Engelbert and the league’s leadership group.
“I’m just tired of our league,” Cunningham said in October, via CBS Sports. “They need to step up and be better. Our leadership from top to bottom needs to be held accountable. I think there are a lot of people in position of powers in the WNBA who, they might be really great business people, but they don’t know s— about basketball. And that’s gotta change.”
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Clearly, Cunningham hasn’t softened her stance on Engelbert.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
