Sophie Cunningham Voices Frustration Over $665K Fever Contract

The Indiana Fever brought back veteran backup guard Sophie Cunningham on a one-year contract.

Sophie Cunningham Voices Frustration Over $665K Fever Contract

Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Sophie Cunningham expressed frustration over her one-year, $665,000 contract with the Indiana Fever.
  • She clarified that her dissatisfaction stemmed from the contract length, not the salary amount.
  • Cunningham hopes her friendship with Caitlin Clark could lead to a multi-year deal in the future.

Last season, the addition of Sophie Cunningham elevated the Indiana Fever’s toughness and depth at the shooting guard spot. Her value became more evident when she took on the role of playmaking whenever Caitlin Clark was out injured.

The Missouri native was already well-regarded in league circles for her toughness and ability to gel with anyone and everyone.

That, along with the need to have depth, is the reason why the Fever traded for her during the 2025 offseason. The idea was that after whatever Cunningham stood for this past season, the franchise would be bringing her back for the long run.

Nope. It’s okay! No, it’s fine. It’s tough, because I came off an injury, and I haven’t been in front of any teams… I’m not even gonna lie to you, though, it’s a little, kind of, frustrating. Because I’m someone who, if I kind of shoot it straight, or if I wasn’t feeling good, or was hesitant, I think I would have said something and been honest.

Sophie Cunningham said

This was the 29-year-old’s response when her Show Me Something co-host and childhood friend, West Wilson, asked if she was happy with the one-year contract she signed.

There was no doubt that Cunningham wanted to return. But to only get a one-year contract was frustrating. She would have preferred it if it were longer, but knows that her MCL tear and the fact that she did not approach other teams did not give her the required leverage.

Sophie Cunningham shuts down social media narratives

As soon as Sports Illustrated’s Grant Young uploaded this clip on social media, rumors started to circulate that Sophie Cunningham was unhappy about her contract.

When major publications started to pick up on the narrative, it caught the Missouri alum’s attention. She then replied to the one published by Yahoo Sports to clear any misconceptions.

I’m gonna shut this down right now. I’m not mad about the money…. I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me. That’s it. That’s the truth. I think we have something very special here in Indiana!!

Sophie Cunningham wrote on X

With this statement, she makes it clear that it was the money that she was upset about. She is set to earn $665,000 from the Fever. But she was upset about the length of the contract.

The guard loves staying in Indianapolis and wants to buy a house. She was almost close to fulfilling her long-standing dream, but now has to wait until she can do so.

Caitlin Clark could help Sophie Cunningham earn a multi-year contract

In their intention to bring most of the players back, the Indiana Fever had to hand out contracts that they felt those athletes deserved. As is clear from her clarification, Sophie Cunningham did not have a problem with the amount of money mentioned in her contract.

Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark have become close friends
Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark have become close friends (Image via Chris/X)

The Fever have not handed out long-term deals to everyone. Franchise leader Kelsey Mitchell is back on a one-year supermax deal, and so are newcomers Myisha Hines-Allen and Ty Harris.

However, the franchise signed Monique Billings to a two-year deal, which too while paying her quite a bit more than Cunningham. Maybe the latter’s off-court endorsements are compensating for the loss in income.

But what mattered to her was long-term commitment, which apparently the Fever did not show. Maybe her continued friendship with Caitlin Clark could be the key to unlocking one such deal next season.

It should be noted that the organization has strategically handed out deals this season, as next season they will have to give their superstar point guard a massive raise. Once that contract and the increased salary cap are determined, there is a possibility that Cunningham can sign a contract that should help her settle down in Indianapolis for good.

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