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Indiana Fever Star Doesn’t Care About WNBA Finals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 8:11 PM ET

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham is tuning out the WNBA Finals this year, literally. On her latest “Show Me Something” podcast episode with co-host West Wilson, the Fever forward made it clear she’s on a much-needed break from basketball.

“I haven’t watched it,” Cunningham said when Wilson asked if she was following the Finals. “I haven’t watched a lick of the WNBA. I don’t know what’s going on… I need a cleanse.”

After a long and emotional first season with the Fever, Cunningham admitted she’s been fully checked out since the team’s playoff exit. She shared that she’s planning vacations and focusing on recharging before the next season begins.

“I’m booking vacations. West, we need to go on a vacation and do a podcast,” she joked.

When Wilson mentioned that the Las Vegas Aces were up 2–0 in the Finals, Cunningham shrugged off any curiosity, adding bluntly: “Good luck to whoever’s gonna win. I don’t care who wins this Finals.”

Cunningham’s break from the game comes after a rollercoaster debut season with the Fever. The 29-year-old, who spent six years with the Phoenix Mercury, was traded to the Fever before the 2025 season. Despite her new surroundings, she quickly became known as the team’s enforcer and emotional spark.

In 30 games, she averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steal, helping the Fever make a deep postseason run. Cunningham’s intensity and grit stood out, particularly after she came to the defense of Caitlin Clark during a heated June matchup against the Connecticut Sun.

Her season, however, ended early due to an MCL injury, forcing her to watch from the sidelines as Indiana fell in the semifinals to the Las Vegas Aces.

Cunningham’s decision to step away for now is not just about fatigue, it reflects a broader frustration felt across the WNBA. Earlier this year, the Fever guard publicly criticized the league’s pay structure, calling the players’ share of basketball-related income “the most disrespectful percentage that any league has ever seen.”

“I think all of us agree that our salaries should be tied to the business we bring in,” she said. “It’s not at all. It’s so disrespectful.”

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That frustration has fueled growing unrest among players, with stars like Napheesa Collier also speaking out against how the league is managed under commissioner Cathy Engelbert. With the current collective bargaining agreement nearing expiration, players, including Cunningham, are using their platforms to push for change.

For now, though, Cunningham seems focused on mental recovery.

“In the past, I’ve watched the Finals,” she admitted. “But this year, with all the injuries and everything our team went through, I just really need a break.”

What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?

Cunningham’s contract with the Fever has officially expired, making her an unrestricted free agent. Despite packing up her Indianapolis apartment, she’s left the door open for a return next season.

For now, Cunningham is staying true to her word, stepping back, taking a breath and letting the Finals unfold without her attention. Whether she returns to the Fever or explores new opportunities, one thing is certain: Sophie Cunningham is unapologetically herself.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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