The tension between WNBA players and the league just got another layer—this time, thanks to a viral TikTok and a $500 fine.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who’s been dubbed Caitlin Clark’s enforcer, has found herself in the spotlight once again, not for her plays on the court, but for what she posted online.
A TikTok, a Song Lyric, and a League Fine
It all started with a cheeky TikTok where Cunningham took a subtle jab at WNBA referees.
She didn’t name names, but she lip-synced a clip from Sabrina Carpenter’s song Manchild with the lyrics, “Stupid. Or is it slow? Maybe, it’s useless.”
The caption? “@ some refs.” It didn’t take long for that post to go viral.
The league, however, wasn’t laughing.
On Wednesday, Cunningham revealed she’d been fined $500 for the video, and instead of backing down, she used humor to call the league out.
Sophie Mocks the WNBA’s Priorities
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sophie posted, “I got fined $500 for this TikTok Idk why this is funny to me… like ok you got it bud! Cause there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now.”
That last line hit a nerve—especially given the current climate in the WNBA.
Cunningham then reposted a comment from a fan that read:
“The endless WNBA war on the people who are bringing attention to their product while protecting the behavior that turns people off NEVER ceases to amaze me.”
Tensions Simmer Over Pay and Player Treatment
While Sophie didn’t spell out what she meant by “more important things,” her post comes just days after a very public protest at the WNBA All-Star Game.
There, Caitlin Clark and several other players wore shirts that read, “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” making their demand for fairer compensation crystal clear.
This is all part of a broader clash between players and the league as negotiations continue over a new collective bargaining agreement.
Issues like pay, player treatment, and respect for player voices have been at the forefront all season.
Cunningham Has Criticized the League Before
This isn’t Sophie Cunningham’s first time speaking up.
Earlier in the season, she openly questioned the WNBA’s recent expansion plans, which include adding teams in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030).
In her view, the league might be rushing into cities that don’t excite fans or players.
“You want to listen to your players, too,” she said.
“Where do they want to play? Where are they going to get excited to play and draw fans?”
She continued by saying cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City would’ve been stronger choices, adding, “I’m not so sure what the thought process is there… but I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland.”
Players Want Progress, Not Punishment
Cunningham’s recent fine might seem minor in dollar terms, but the moment reflects something bigger.
Many WNBA players are growing frustrated with what they see as misplaced priorities from the league—penalizing players for minor infractions while deeper issues like player pay, game officiating, and league expansion remain unresolved.
As Sophie—and many fans—see it, maybe it’s time the WNBA spent less time monitoring TikToks and more time listening to the voices within its own locker rooms.