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Sophie Cunningham, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, delivered a direct message to the WNBA and commissioner Cathy Engelbert during a press conference on Sunday.
During a discussion about the length of the WNBA season, Cunningham referred to the league’s current negotiations with the players’ union regarding a new collective bargaining agreement and players advocating for increased compensation.
“Just let Cathy know to pay us, and then we can have a conversation,” Cunningham stated.
Cunningham is among several players who have voiced their desire for higher pay as the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) works towards a new agreement with the league.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during the Wings game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 27, 2025. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
During the All-Star game on Saturday, players wore T-shirts with the message “Pay Us What You Owe Us” during warmups, featuring the WNBPA logo.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon engage in a scuffle at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, June 17, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
League officials met with players on Thursday, but a deal was not reached. Angel Reese, a star for the Chicago Sky, joined other WNBA players in criticizing the league’s approach to negotiations.
“It was an enlightening experience for me. The things we heard and the language used were not what I wanted to hear. The proposals we received were disrespectful,” Reese expressed on Friday.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in action against the Brazil National Team at Carver-Haweye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, May 4, 2025. (Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images)
“Being vocal is crucial. If I stay silent, it sends the message that I don’t care.”
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu emphasized that the players are not willing to settle for less in negotiations, while Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally described the league’s latest offer as a “slap in the face.”
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