Image Credit - Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham Slapped With Fine After Viral TikTok Targeting WNBA Referees, Blasts League Focus Amid Salary Debate

League responds to Sophie Cunningham’s post, but she says they’re missing the bigger picture

Image Credit - Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham has drawn the wrath of the league after a viral TikTok targeting the referees. She is one of the most outspoken when it comes to the Indiana Fever side, and this has resulted in a hefty fine.

Her team was already frustrated with refereeing inconsistencies, prompting coach Stephanie White to publicly criticize decisions. Weeks after posting the video on TikTok, Sophie Cunningham was handed a $500 fine by the league.

Cunningham, being outspoken, quickly posted the TikTok video on X and slammed the league over priorities. She argued the league should focus on bigger issues instead of a weeks-old TikTok post.

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 pic.twitter.com/ELAlguHhMQ
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 23, 2025

The 28-year-old was indicating that the league needed to pay more attention to the ongoing CBA talks that hit a roadblock during the weekend. Sophie Cunningham has been behind the pay parity debate, advocating for better salary for women.

Indiana Fever Still Searching for Answers

Indiana Fever’s performances have been quite inconsistent of late. They recently lost again against the New York Liberty, extending their losing streak to two games. The timing coincides with the ongoing absence of standout guard Caitlin Clark.

Clark is again out of action due to a groin injury. Though the Liberty went neck to neck during the first quarter, the Indiana Fever gathered the momentum through a halftime lead. But the Liberty crawled back during the third and the fourth quarter, winning the game by 98-84.

Sophie Cunningham and Aliyah Boston scored 15 points each. Kelsey Mitchell smashed 29 points for the Fever. However, the Liberty had a more coordinated effort. Jonquel Jones struck 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. While Leonie Fiebich and Breanna Stewart put up 17 points each.

The Indiana Fever currently sits seventh in the WNBA standings with a balanced 12-12 record in 24 games. Their inconsistent performances could become a bigger problem as the scene for the playoffs starts shaping.