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 over the WNBA. Her post on Wednesday included the slogan ‘Jesus is King,’ followed by encouragement to remain focused on truth, righteousness, and justice. Cunningham, who was released by the Fever after her first season was cut short by injury, is set to become a free agent in 2026. Her comments come amid ongoing negotiations with the league over a new CBA and with her future in Indiana still uncertain.
Cunningham has been one of the most vocal players during the negotiations, criticizing WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for reportedly making comments about the league’s star player Caitlin Clark during a private conversation. In her exit interview last month, she accused league leadership of failing to understand basketball and of prioritizing personal interests over the sport. ‘I think it’s pretty shameful that she always makes it about her, Cathy, when it should have nothing to do with her,’ she added.
The recent remarks were tied to accusations from WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier, who claimed Engelbert said during a private conversation that Clark should be ‘grateful’ for the platform the league provides her during salary discussions. While Engelbert denied the claims, the conversations about player pay and officiating have delayed negotiations. The players’ association and the WNBA agreed to an eight-year deal in 2020, but the WNBPA voted to opt out of the agreement early, extending the current deal’s deadline to November 30.
A source familiar with the negotiations mentioned that the latest proposal includes revenue sharing with a maximum salary of over $1.1 million available to 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’s future remains uncertain as she will become a free agent in 2026 after signing a one-year deal with Indiana last season. Her first year with the Fever was cut short following an MCL injury, which required season-ending surgery.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.