A storm of outrage is sweeping through the WNBA after the league handed down a one-game suspension to Sophie Cunningham, while choosing not to penalize Angel Reese for what many are calling a blatant slap during a heated moment in last night’s game.

The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Chicago Sky’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. As Cunningham aggressively boxed out Reese for a rebound, cameras captured what appeared to be a sudden open-hand slap from Reese directed at Cunningham’s face. The refs reviewed the play but ultimately issued no flagrant or technical foul to Reese. Cunningham, however, was later suspended for what the league called “escalatory behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct” in a separate altercation following the same play.

Within minutes of the league’s disciplinary report being posted online, fans, analysts, and even former players erupted with disbelief.

“Clear video shows Angel Reese making contact above the shoulders with what looks like intent,” said sports commentator Lisa Daniels on WNBA Today. “Yet she walks free, while Cunningham is suspended? It’s an insult to basketball integrity.”

Social media exploded with hashtags like #FreeSophie, #WNBABias, and #DoubleStandardDrama. Slow-motion replays of the incident quickly went viral, showing Reese’s hand make direct contact with Cunningham’s face, causing her to momentarily stumble back.

Phoenix Mercury head coach Carla Stevens was livid in the post-game press conference.

“I don’t care who you are — no one gets to slap another player on the court. If the league wants respect, they need to enforce the same rules for everyone. Sophie didn’t start this. She stood her ground.”

In contrast, Chicago Sky coach Monique Bradley downplayed the moment, calling it “a high-intensity playoff-level play,” and said Reese was “just defending herself.”

The WNBA’s official statement on the situation said:

“After thorough review, the contact made by Angel Reese did not meet the threshold for a flagrant penalty. Sophie Cunningham’s actions following the play, including verbal escalation and confrontational gestures, violated league conduct standards.”

But not everyone is buying it.

Former WNBA All-Star and analyst Candace Monroe wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“So now we’re suspending players who get slapped and speak up about it? What are we doing, WNBA? If it were reversed, would Sophie have walked free?”

This isn’t the first time the league has been accused of favoritism. In recent weeks, fans have expressed concern that higher-profile players like Reese and Caitlin Clark are receiving different treatment when it comes to foul calls and disciplinary decisions.

“If this league wants to grow,” said ESPN’s Marcus Blake, “they better start addressing the perception of selective enforcement. The fans see it. The players feel it. And the media won’t stay quiet.”

Meanwhile, Cunningham posted on Instagram just hours after the suspension was announced:

“I got hit, stood my ground, and now I’m sitting a game? Interesting.”
She ended the post with the hashtag #UnbotheredButNotBlind.

The Mercury have already filed a formal appeal with the league office, requesting that the suspension be reviewed or reversed. According to internal sources, several other teams have also quietly expressed concerns about inconsistencies in league officiating and enforcement this season.

Whether the WNBA responds with further explanation or doubles down on its decision remains to be seen. For now, the message many players and fans are receiving is loud and clear — not all players are treated equally.

As the league tries to ride the wave of a historic surge in viewership and popularity, it now faces a crisis of credibility. Can it grow without fairness? And can it keep players like Sophie Cunningham — who play with fire and passion — from feeling alienated?

One thing is certain: the conversation around WNBA officiating, player discipline, and accountability isn’t going away anytime soon.