Sophie Cunningham is calling for higher pay as part of the ongoing CBA negotiations in the WNBA, arguing that the league’s financial growth should reflect in player salaries. But does Cunningham truly deserve the higher compensation she’s asking for? With her rising star power, is this a justified demand, or is she pushing the boundaries too far? Find out all the details behind her bold request! 👇👇

Sophie Cunningham Issues Strong Statement About WNBA Salary in Lead-Up to CBA Negotiations

Sophie Cunningham, the outspoken Indiana Fever guard, made waves ahead of the Fever’s game against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, releasing a powerful statement about the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players’ association. Cunningham, known for her leadership both on and off the court, used the opportunity to address the ongoing salary disparity and call for the league to fairly compensate its players, particularly in light of the increasing popularity and financial growth of the WNBA.

A Call for Fairness in the CBA

In her pre-game statement, Cunningham made it clear that she and her fellow players were committed to negotiating the new CBA with the league and teams “in good faith and privately.” However, she also emphasized the need for transparency about what was at stake and the necessity for change.

“On behalf of my teammates and every member of our union, I want to be very clear that we remain committed to renegotiating the next CBA with the league and teams in good faith and privately, but we do want to set the record straight,” Cunningham said. “Not for the headlines, but for the fans who support us and deserve transparency for what’s at stake. This is a defining moment in the WNBA. As the league grows, it’s time for the CBA that reflects our true value. We are fighting for a fair share of the business that we built because it is a business. We are not fighting for anything that is unreasonable.”

The Growing Success of the WNBA and Player Pay

Cunningham’s comments come at a pivotal moment for the WNBA, which has seen record attendance and viewership in recent years, partly due to the emergence of superstars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Despite these milestones, player salaries remain relatively low, with the average salary for WNBA players sitting at just $147,745 as of 2024. Clark, the league’s most popular player and one of its biggest stars, is making even less—$78,066—in 2025.

Cunningham made it clear that this discrepancy needs to be addressed, particularly as the league has experienced significant financial growth. “When it comes to salary and revenue share, we are fighting to share in the growth that we’ve created,” she stated. “Every other category across the business has grown. That’s media rights, ticket sales, and team value. The only thing that is still capped is our player salary, which is insane. We deserve a fair share and demand our salary reflect our true value in our business.”

The WNBA’s Rising Influence and Growing Frustration

Cunningham’s call for increased player compensation comes amidst a broader conversation about how the WNBA has transformed over the years. With the league gaining unprecedented visibility and influence, it’s becoming harder to ignore the gap between its financial success and its players’ earnings. As the WNBA continues to break new ground, the question of how to appropriately reward the athletes who have helped elevate the league is more pressing than ever.

“So we’re 25 days away from All-Star, just under four weeks,” Cunningham added, underscoring the urgency of the negotiations. “The clock is ticking… But the current system is unsustainable for us, and that means it’s unsustainable for the business that we have created. Nothing short of transformational change will do for the future.”

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 All-Star Game fast approaching, Cunningham’s statement adds fuel to the ongoing discussion about the future of the WNBA and its players. As the season continues, the Indiana Fever and the rest of the league are bracing for what promises to be a critical period for both on-court performance and labor negotiations. After the game against the Aces, Cunningham and the Fever will finish out their road trip against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, where the focus will likely remain not just on the game, but on the players’ ongoing fight for fair compensation and recognition in the WNBA.

Cunningham’s strong words resonate beyond the court, representing the frustrations of many WNBA players who are demanding that their contributions to the league’s success be reflected in their salaries. The outcome of these CBA negotiations will likely set the tone for the future of the league and its athletes.