Sophie Cunningham’s Family Just Called Out The WNBA originally appeared on The Spun.
The family of Indiana Fever star guard Sophie Cunningham just called out the entire WNBA on Sunday afternoon.
Cunningham, 27, is in her first year playing for the Indiana Fever. Cunningham, who starred collegiately at Missouri, was traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Indiana Fever this offseason. She’s been a key contributor to the Fever this year, averaging 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
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It’s been a rough game for Cunningham on Sunday, though. She’s scored no points and grabbed just one rebound as the Connecticut Sun are taking it to the Indiana Fever. But Cunnigham’s family has called out the entire league.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 03: Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever stretches before the game against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on August 03, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)Soobum Im/Getty Images
Cunningham was hit hard by Sun forward Bria Hartley during Sunday afternoon’s game, airing live on NBA TV.
Hartley has been accused of being dangerous.
“Bria Hartley always at the scene of the crime — extending her fall right into Sophie Cunningham’s leg. This Sun team is out of control,” one fan wrote.
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Cunningham’s family is calling out the league
Cunningham’s sister and mother both took to social media to call out the league and their officiating in the wake of the dangerous play.
Her sister, Lindsey, shared a blunt message on X.
“@WNBA maybe you should focus less on fining players for commenting on your poor officiating & more about hiring officials that are able to call a consistent game and protect your athletes. Pathetic. Praying for you,” she wrote.
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Her mother, Paula, wrote: “Harley is a disgruntled player having trouble everywhere she goes; she’s plain mean and plays out of control.”
Cunningham’s family is right – the league’s officiating needs to improve
All sports leagues have inconsistent officiating to varying degrees, but the WNBA has an especially rough problem right now. Everyone from the players to the coaches to the fans can agree – the officiating needs to improve.
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Cunningham has actually been fined twice for blasting the WNBA’s refs.
“I think players across the league, and new fans across the country, are like, ‘What is going on with the refs?’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t know,'” she said on the July 28 episode of her podcast, regarding her $500 fine.
Sophie Cunningham’s Family Just Called Out The WNBA first appeared on The Spun on Aug 17, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.