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Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham shared a message about her faith on social media this week as the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement looms for the WNBA.
Cunningham, who is set to become a free agent after his first season with Fever was cut short due to injury, shared a message on X encouraging his followers to “be bold and courageous!”
Honorary race car driver Sophie Cunningham attends pre-race ceremony activities before the NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025, in Avondale, Arizona. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
“Jesus is King,” read his message on Wednesday. “Remember to stay focused on what is true, right and just. Don’t give up [sic] by doing good. Be bold and courageous! »
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The WNBA veteran has previously spoken openly about her faith on social media, often sharing similar messages on Instagram. His latest remarks come amid ongoing negotiations with the league over a new CBA and with his own future in Indiana still up in the air.
Cunningham was among the most outspoken players during the negotiations and took direct aim at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert over alleged remarks made about the league and one of its biggest stars, Caitlin Clark.
“I’m just tired of our league. They need to step up and get better. Our leadership from the top down needs to be held accountable. I think there are a lot of people in positions of power in the WNBA who may be great business people, but they don’t know anything about basketball. And that needs to change,” Cunningham said during her exit interview last month.
Sophie Cunningham (8) and Caitlin Clark (22) of the Indiana Fever cheer from the bench against the Chicago Sky at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 7, 2025. (Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
“I find it quite shameful that she always talks about herself, Cathy, when it should have nothing to do with her,” she added of Engelbert.
CAITLIN CLARK CALLS ‘GREAT LEADERSHIP’, SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DOUBLES CONDEMNATION OF WNBA COMMISSIONER
The remarks stem from accusations made by WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier that Engelbert said in a private conversation that the former Iowa star should be “grateful” for the platform the league is giving him during a conversation about salary issues.
Engelbert disputed those claims, but discussions around player compensation and concerns about officiating in the league delayed negotiations.
The players’ association and the WNBA agreed to an eight-year deal in 2020, but last year the WNBPA voted to opt out of the deal early. The current agreement was set to expire on October 31, but negotiations have been extended until November 30.
WNBA star and former Missouri Tigers Sophie Cunningham is seen on the sidelines during an SEC football game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on November 8, 2025. (Scott Winters/Sportswire Icon via Getty Images)
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A source close to the negotiations told The Associated Press that the latest proposal included revenue sharing with a maximum salary of more than $1.1 million available for more than one player per team, with potential growth each season.
The new league minimum would also increase to over $220,000, with an average of over $460,000.
Cunningham will become a free agent in 2026 after signing a one-year contract with Indiana last season. His first year with the Fever was cut short following an MCL injury, which required season-ending surgery.
