WNBA Fines Fever Star Sophie Cunningham $500 for TikTok Referee Jab

Indiana Fever standout Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to speaking her mind, but her latest viral moment on TikTok has come with a price. The WNBA slapped her with a $500 fine for a video where she took a swipe at league referees, lip-syncing to Sabrina Carpenter’s "Manchild" with pointed lyrics like "Stupid. Or is it slow? Maybe, it’s useless." Cunningham shared the news on X with a mix of amusement and frustration, hinting at bigger issues within the league that deserve attention over petty fines.

Beyond the TikTok drama, Cunningham’s comments seem to nod toward the ongoing tension between WNBA players and the league over a new collective bargaining agreement. Players have been vocal, sporting "Pay Us What You Owe Us" t-shirts at the recent All-Star Game, demanding better compensation. Cunningham herself didn’t hold back when asked about the season’s length, quipping that league commissioner Cathy Engelbert should "just pay us" before any real discussion can happen.

This isn’t the first time Cunningham has stirred the pot. Known as the Fever’s enforcer, she’s been fiercely protective of teammate Caitlin Clark, previously criticizing refs for failing to shield the team’s star player. A notable clash last month with Connecticut Sun’s Jacy Sheldon—after an eye-poke incident involving Clark—led to both players’ ejection, with Cunningham blaming the officials for letting tensions escalate.

Off the court, Cunningham’s social media presence has skyrocketed since joining the Fever after six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. On the hardwood, she’s delivering solid numbers off the bench—averaging 7.3 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc in 23.5 minutes per game. Fine or no fine, Cunningham’s voice—and game—remains impossible to ignore.