Sophie Cunningham Sees 50‑Game Season as Logical With Million‑Dollar Deals

Sophie Cunningham did not reap the full rewards of the new million-dollar contracts, but is happy with her $665,000 salary.

Sophie Cunningham Sees 50‑Game Season as Logical With Million‑Dollar Deals

Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (Image via FirstSportz)

The WNBA is surging forward with its expansion plans, and this season alone, added two new teams. That means for the likes of Sophie Cunningham, the demands on their bodies will be a lot more.

However, that has not been the case, as the league withheld its desire to increase the number of games this season. When the league added the Golden State Valkyries as its 13th team in 2025, it added four games to the schedule.

Now, the league announced that it would expand to 50 games from the 2027 season. It is logical, considering many teams are not playing some opponents four times as they should.

It will push players to work on their conditioning and deter them from traveling and playing abroad. It might be hard work for the Missouri native, who tore her ACL last year, but she does not seem to have a problem when asked about this increased schedule on USA Sports.

My knees are already starting to hurt a little bit more. But if we are going to be paid that amount of money, then you are expected to play more games. I think it’s fair… I’m all for it. I think if you are going to pay that, then you’ve got to put a product out there for longer for people to enjoy.

Sophie Cunningham said

The 29-year-old was referring to the million-dollar salaries some of her teammates and peers have earned after the new CBA came into effect. She believes that a league paying that much can ask players to put on more shows for its fans.

RELATED
Fever Fans Hype Sophie Cunningham after Intense Brawl With Caitlin Clark’s Rival Jacy Sheldon

Sophie Cunningham clarifies what Commissioner’s Cup means for athletes

USA Sports did not call Sophie Cunningham to appear for an interview. Instead, this was her debut as a contributor for the network. After talking about the future schedule expansion, host Elle Duncan asked the guard what she felt about the Commissioner’s Cup.

I think there’s a little bit more on the line. When you have money involved, $30k before taxes, because we won it last year, and it’s not $30k- so let me put that out there… You want to play good, you want to win that. It gives you what a playoff experience might feel like.

Sophie Cunningham said

The Missouri alum made it clear that many might think that it is a worthless tournament. But it does give the team and its players an opportunity mid-season to figure out what they need to tweak to stage a deep playoff run.

Historically, six out of its past seven finalists have featured in at least one WNBA Finals, either before, during, or the next season. Four of those teams have gone on to win championships.

Cunningham’s Indiana Fever won it last season, which is how she knows the specifics about their $30K prize money. That is why she believes it is important for those who are willing to put together a title run.

RELATED
Sophie Cunningham & Caitlin Clark Troll HC After Collaborating Over Game-Winner: “Didn’t Follow the Plan…Won Anyway”

Sophie Cunningham has been playing lights out from the bench this season

Sophie Cunningham and her Indiana Fever would have liked to repeat as Commissioner’s Cup finalists, but their loss to the New York Liberty cost them a spot.

Sophie Cunningham has been red-hot from 3
Sophie Cunningham has been red-hot from 3 (Image via Grace Smith/X)

Looking at their recent form, fans would have preferred if the reigning champions were there to defend their crown. It would also have been good for the fans to see how this in-form Fever looks against the perennial title contenders after starting the season slow.

One of the reasons for the Fever’s recent uptick in form is due to the performances from USA Sports’ newest contributor off the bench. In their previous win against the Toronto Tempo, Cunningham torched them with 24 points. She did all that in just 24 minutes.

The 6’1″ star did the same in their previous win against the Connecticut Sun, this time with an 11-point heat check in 11 minutes in the fourth quarter. If Sophie Cunningham continues with this form, she will likely get a 3-point contest call-up at this year’s All-Star event.

Also Read: