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Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'I’m Officially 3-For-3 On Being Fined': Sophie Cunningham Stunned With Another WNBA Fine After Blasting Refs For Favoring Paige Bueckers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Sophie Cunningham’s been a hot topic off the court, but not for her scoring. She dropped a bombshell this week: “I’m officially 3 for 3 on being fined by the WNBA. They didn’t like my comments on Paige Bueckers.” She didn’t even think it was that harsh.

This marks her third fine in less than a month. The first came after a TikTok mocking referees with the caption “@ some refs”—that one cost her $500. Not long after, she ripped into league-wide officiating on her Show Me Something podcast and got hit with a $1,500 bill. Now this.

The latest firestorm started after a close loss to the Wings. Sophie Cunningham praised Paige Bueckers—but not the referees: “They were giving her every freaking whistle… you literally couldn’t touch her,” she said.

The league apparently didn’t applaud that take. Meanwhile, Paige kept it calm: “Everyone is entitled to their own unique personal opinion,” she said later.

Still, fans see something bigger at play. Social media buzzed with debate: Is the WNBA punishing bold voices? Is Sophie’s outspoken nature part of a bigger saga about league control and player expression? This controversy reveals just how charged the relationship has become between vocal players like Sophie Cunningham and of ficiating decisions, especially when those comments are unfiltered.

How Long Will the MCL Injury Keep Sophie Cunningham Out?

Sophie Cunningham ’s battle isn’t just about fines—it’s also a fight with her body. The Indiana Fever confirmed she’ll miss the rest of the 2025 season after tearing her right MCL in a collision during their win over Connecticut.

Head coach Stephanie White called it “a crushing blow” for the team, which is already missing Caitlin Clark (groin), Aari McDonald, and Sydney Colson to injuries.

Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) is helped off the court injured as they take on the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Full recovery is expected—but with reality hitting fast, the Fever reached out to veteran Shey Peddy with a hardship contract while releasing Kyra Lambert.

A torn MCL typically takes months to heal, and surgery isn’t off the table. Sophie Cunningham’s inner circle has made it clear: she’s hurting, but not giving up. Supporters from fans to teammates have poured out prayers and messages of solidarity—not just for her recovery, but for the off-court battles she’s faced with unfiltered honesty.

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

For now, Sophie Cunningham is grounded by health, but she hasn’t backed down in spirit. The big question: will her return claim the court, or spark bigger conversations around player voice and league limits?

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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