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Sophie Cunningham Calls Out WNBA Officiating After Fever’s Tough Loss to the Wings

baotran August 14, 2025

Sophie Cunningham Calls Out WNBA Officiating After Fever’s Tough Loss to the Wings

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever is once again vocal about WNBA officiating after her team’s narrow 81-80 loss to the Dallas Wings, adding fuel to the ongoing debate over the league’s refereeing. This time, Cunningham’s frustrations stemmed from the treatment of Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, which she discussed on her “Show Me Something” podcast.

The Fever, battling for a playoff spot, were handed a shocking defeat at home by a Dallas team that has struggled this season. One of the key moments in the game came early, when Cunningham was called for a flagrant foul for stepping into Bueckers’ landing area during a 3-point attempt. Bueckers made all three of the free throws awarded from the foul, setting the tone for a night filled with contentious calls.

While Cunningham acknowledged Bueckers’ talent, she was vocal about the way the referees officiated the game, particularly in relation to Bueckers. “I love Paige to death, don’t get me wrong,” Cunningham said on the podcast. “I think she’s a hell of a player and would love to play with her one day, but those refs were giving her every frickin’ whistle last night. Like, you literally couldn’t touch her. That’s just so annoying to me.”

This outburst is not the first time Cunningham has openly criticized WNBA officiating. She’s had previous run-ins with the league over the calls made during her games, and she’s even paid fines for her remarks. Last year, Cunningham was fined for a TikTok video in which she referred to some referees as “stupid,” and also faced fines for comments made on earlier podcast episodes regarding officiating.

Frustration Over the Loss to the Phoenix Mercury

In addition to her remarks about the officiating against the Wings, Cunningham also touched on a recent blowout loss to the Phoenix Mercury, her former team. The Fever lost by 35 points in a game where Cunningham led the team with 18 points. The game saw some chippy play and even a few boos directed toward Cunningham as the game progressed, despite a warm pregame reception.

The tension was heightened by her ongoing feud with Mercury star DeWanna Bonner. Cunningham had previously criticized Bonner for her departure from the Fever earlier in the season. The two players exchanged words during the game, with Cunningham calling it “competitive” and “fun” despite the intensity of the moment.

“It gets me riled up,” Cunningham said, reflecting on the heated exchanges with her former teammate. “That’s competitive. That’s fun.”

The “Sex Toy Incident” with the Los Angeles Sparks

But Cunningham’s challenges on the court didn’t stop with the loss to Dallas and the Phoenix Mercury. During a recent road trip to play the Los Angeles Sparks, an unexpected and bizarre incident occurred that added another layer of controversy to the Fever’s already tough season. During the game, a sex toy was thrown onto the court as part of what was reportedly a memecoin marketing stunt. The object landed on Cunningham’s foot as she was lined up on the free throw lane, causing her to momentarily jump in surprise.

“I felt something hit my foot and I thought someone kicked me. I looked down and it was [a sex toy], and it scared me, and I jumped up,” Cunningham recalled. “Everyone was like, ‘Why are you freaking out?’ My mind just wasn’t expecting that. Who gets hit by a [sex toy]? Me.”

The incident added to the frustration of what was already a difficult road trip for Cunningham and the Fever. While it was a bizarre moment, it also highlighted some of the unpredictable and challenging aspects of the team’s season.

A Season of Struggles and Criticism

Cunningham’s outspoken nature on the podcast has captured attention, especially in the midst of a season that has seen the Fever struggle to stay competitive. The loss to the Wings, combined with the dismal showing against the Mercury, has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction, leadership, and ability to close out games.

Cunningham’s critique of the officiating, combined with the team’s struggles on the court, raises broader questions about the role of refereeing in the league and the impact it has on teams fighting for playoff positions. Despite the frustration, Cunningham’s vocal approach shows that she’s not afraid to stand up for her team, even if it means challenging the league’s officiating and the perception of her on-court conduct.

With the Fever still fighting for a playoff spot and Cunningham continuing to lead the team through challenging circumstances, it’s clear that she won’t back down from speaking out when she feels it’s necessary. As the season progresses, it’s likely that Cunningham’s bold comments will continue to stir the pot, keeping her at the center of both the Fever’s on-court drama and the ongoing conversation about the state of WNBA officiating.

Whether or not the Fever can overcome their struggles and build momentum for the postseason, one thing is certain: Sophie Cunningham is a player who will not be silenced, especially when she feels the game’s integrity is at stake.