Fever star Sophie Cunningham shares faith message amid WNBA negotiations

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham shared a message about her faith on social media this week as the deadline for the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement approaches.

Cunningham, who is set to become a free agent after his first season with the Fever was cut short due to injury, took to X to share a message encouraging his followers to “be brave and courageous.”

“Jesus is King,” his post on Wednesday read. “Remember to focus on what is right, true and fair. Don’t give up [sic] while doing good. Be brave and courageous!”

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The WNBA veteran has spoken openly about her faith on social media in the past and often shares similar messages on Instagram. His final words come at a time when ongoing negotiations with the league for a new CBA are ongoing and his future in Indiana remains uncertain.

Cunningham was among the most outspoken players during the negotiations, taking direct aim at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert over remarks she allegedly made about the league and one of its biggest stars, Caitlin Clark.

“I’m tired of our league. They need to step up and get better. Our leadership from top to bottom needs to be held accountable. I think there’s a lot of people in the WNBA who are in positions of power and could be really great business people, but they don’t know anything about basketball. And that has to change,” Cunningham said in her exit interview last month.

Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham (8) and Caitlin Clark (22) cheer on the bench against the Chicago Sky at the United Center on June 7, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)

“It’s quite embarrassing, Cathy, that she keeps talking about him when this shouldn’t have anything to do with him,” he added of Engelbert.

CAITLIN CLARK CALLS FOR ‘GREAT LEADERSHIP’, SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DOES DOUBLES UP IN CONDEMNATION OF WNBA COMMISSION

Those remarks stemmed from accusations by WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier, who alleged that Engelbert said in a private conversation that the former Iowa star should be “grateful” for the platform the league gave him during a conversation about salary concerns.

Engelbert disputed the allegations, but arguments over players’ salaries and concerns about league tenure delayed negotiations.

The players association and the WNBA agreed to an eight-year deal in 2020, but last year the WNBPA voted to exit the deal early. The current agreement was due to expire on October 31, but negotiations were extended until November 30.

WNBA star and Missouri Tigers alumna Sophie Cunningham is seen on the sideline during an SEC football game between the Texas A&M Aggies and Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on November 8, 2025. (Icon Sportswire via Scott Winters/Getty Images)

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A source familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the latest offer includes revenue sharing that would provide a maximum salary of more than $1.1 million to multiple players per team, with potential growth each season.

The new league minimum will also rise above $220,000, bringing the average to over $460,000.

Cunningham will become a free agent in 2026 after signing a one-year deal with Indiana last offseason. His first year with the Fire was cut short after an MCL injury that required season-ending surgery.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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