Indiana Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Reacts to $26 Million News

It was no surprise, then, that Cunningham reacted to one of the most talked-about stories in the basketball world this week.

On Thursday, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested by federal authorities on conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges tied to an alleged illegal sports betting operation (via ESPN’s Shams Charania).

Following the news, a report confirmed that Rozier is still set to receive his full $26 million salary this year while on administrative leave, as corroborated by Front Office Sports.

Cunningham soon took to X to express her surprise:

“No way. please tell me this is fake…”

The claim stems from Exhibit F-7 of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, which states that a player placed on administrative leave “shall be ineligible to play in any of his team’s games. However, the player will continue to receive his salary and other welfare benefits to which he would be entitled as an active player.”

Cunningham’s reaction comes at a time when WNBA players continue to push for better pay and visibility. However, it’s unclear if her response is directly tied to the ongoing conversation surrounding player salaries in women’s basketball.

As for Cunningham’s future in the WNBA, she recently confirmed she is no longer under contract with Indiana after becoming a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. While she has expressed interest in returning to the team, no new deal has been finalized yet and it remains to be seen if she will suit up in a Fever jersey next season.