Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has never been one to mince words, and she didn’t hold back when asked about her new one‑year, $665,000 contract with the team. On her “Show Me Something” podcast, Cunningham admitted she was frustrated with the deal – not because of the money, but because she wanted more years to put down roots in Indianapolis and bring her donkey to live with her.
Cunningham, who re‑signed with the Fever on Sunday, was asked by her co‑host, “Summer House” star West Wilson, whether the contract was better than she expected under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). She immediately shook her head no.
“Nope? Okay, sorry,” Wilson said.
“It’s okay! No, it’s fine. It’s tough, because I came off an injury, and I haven’t been in front of any teams,” Cunningham replied.
The 29‑year‑old guard tore her MCL during the 2025 season, cutting short a campaign in which she was averaging a career‑best 43.2% from three‑point range and 8.6 points per game. Despite being fully cleared by doctors, she believes teams needed to see her play in person before committing long‑term.
“I’m not even gonna lie to you, though, it’s a little, kind of, frustrating. Because I’m someone who, I kind of shoot it straight. If I wasn’t feeling good or was hesitant, I think I would have said something and been honest,” Cunningham said. “Because I’m just at the point in my career where I just want to win. I just want to win. And so I’m not going to put my ego in front of things. And I know it is a business, but I just think I’m wired a little differently. I don’t know. I just want to win.”
She called the one‑year pact a “great wakeup call” and said it “lit a fire under my ass even more.”
Sophie Cunningham is not stoked about the contract she signed with the Indiana Fever in free agency
— Grant Young (@GrvntYoung) April 20, 2026
“I’m not even gonna lie… it’s a little, kind of, frustrating.”
🎥: @ShowMe_Pod pic.twitter.com/WlCvJ0fdQT
The Donkey Factor: Why Cunningham Wanted More Years
After the podcast clip began circulating, Cunningham took to X to clarify that her frustration was not about the salary – which is a significant raise from her previous earnings – but about the length of the deal.
“I’m gonna shut this down right now,” she wrote. “I’m not mad about the money…. I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me. That’s it. That’s the truth. I think we have something very special here in Indiana!!”
The comment about her donkey – which Cunningham has occasionally featured on social media – quickly went viral, endearing her even more to Fever fans.
The WNBA’s New CBA: What It Means for Players Like Cunningham
The WNBA and the Players Association ratified a landmark new collective bargaining agreement in 2025, which dramatically increased salaries, improved travel conditions, and expanded benefits. Under the previous CBA, the maximum base salary for a veteran was around $240,000. The new agreement raised the supermax to over $500,000, with total compensation (including marketing agreements and bonuses) potentially exceeding $700,000 for top players.
Cunningham’s one‑year, $665,000 deal reflects the new financial reality of the league. However, the uncertainty of a one‑year contract – especially after a major injury – is a risk for any player.
| WNBA Salary Changes | Old CBA (pre‑2025) | New CBA (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran minimum | $58,000 | $85,000 |
| Maximum base salary | ~$240,000 | ~$500,000 |
| Total compensation (top players) | ~$500,000 | $700,000+ |
| Charter flights | Limited | Full‑season charter |
The new CBA also introduced more guaranteed contracts, but teams remain hesitant to offer long‑term deals to players coming off significant injuries – a reality Cunningham acknowledged.
“I think it kind of lit a fire under my ass even more,” she said. “At the end of the day, I’m coming back from a major [injury]. Like, it was MCL. … So I feel good. I’m shooting the ball well, I’m mentally in a great spot.”
Cunningham’s Rise: From Missouri to Fever Fan Favorite
Cunningham was drafted in the second round (13th overall) by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 out of the University of Missouri, where she was a two‑time All‑SEC performer. She spent five seasons in Phoenix, developing a reputation as a tenacious defender and sharpshooter. In 2024, she was traded to the Indiana Fever as part of a multi‑team deal.
She quickly became a fan favorite in Indianapolis, largely due to her fiery on‑court demeanor and her outspoken defense of Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. Cunningham famously got into heated exchanges with opposing players who targeted Clark, earning her a cult following among Fever fans.
“She’s the kind of teammate everyone wants – she’ll fight for you,” one Fever fan tweeted after her re‑signing was announced.
In 2025, before her injury, Cunningham was enjoying a career year. Her 43.2% shooting from deep was among the league leaders, and her 8.6 points per game were a career high. She also averaged 2.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
The Injury: MCL Tear and Recovery
Cunningham suffered an MCL tear in August 2025, ending her season after 30 games. The injury required surgery and months of rehabilitation. She told reporters that she was fully cleared by doctors before the 2026 season and has been working out extensively to regain her form.
“I feel good. I’m shooting the ball well, I’m mentally in a great spot,” she said.
Her recovery timeline puts her on track to be ready for training camp and the start of the 2026 season.
What the Contract Means for the Fever
The Fever have been rebuilding around Caitlin Clark, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick who has already become one of the league’s biggest stars. Indiana made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2016, and the front office is eager to build a contender.
Retaining Cunningham – even on a one‑year deal – keeps a veteran presence and a reliable 3‑and‑D wing in the rotation. If she returns to pre‑injury form, she could be a key contributor off the bench or even as a starter.
“I just want to win,” Cunningham said. “I think we have something very special here in Indiana.”
What Happens Next
- Training camp: Cunningham is expected to report to Fever training camp in May 2026.
- Contract extension talks: If she performs well, the Fever could offer her a multi‑year extension during the season.
- Donkey arrival: Fans will be watching Cunningham’s social media to see if she finally brings her donkey to Indianapolis.
FAQ: Sophie Cunningham’s Contract
Q: How much is Sophie Cunningham’s new contract?
A: One year, $665,000 – a significant raise under the WNBA’s new CBA.
Q: Why is she frustrated?
A: She wanted a multi‑year deal so she could buy a house and bring her dog and donkey to Indiana. She said she’s not upset about the money.
Q: What injury did she have?
A: An MCL tear in August 2025 that required surgery. She has been fully cleared.
Q: What does she average?
A: In 2025, she averaged 8.6 points and shot a career‑best 43.2% from three‑point range.
Q: What is the new WNBA CBA?
A: A landmark agreement ratified in 2025 that dramatically increased salaries, guaranteed charter flights, and improved benefits.
Q: Where can I follow Cunningham?
A: On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she is known for her candid posts and animal content.
