Sophie Cunningham Fined $1,500 for Blunt Comments About WNBA Referees as League Cracks Down on Player Criticism

Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has never been one to bite her tongue—but this time, her outspoken nature came at a cost.

The WNBA has officially fined Cunningham $1,500 for her postgame comments criticizing the league’s officiating, marking yet another flashpoint in the growing tension between players and referees this season. The fine, announced late Tuesday, comes after Cunningham vented her frustrations following the Mercury’s recent loss, during which she was visibly upset over several no-calls and questionable foul decisions.

“Some of these calls are ridiculous,” Cunningham said during her postgame media availability. “At some point, someone has to be held accountable. We’re out there fighting, and the whistles are all over the place.”

The league deemed her remarks as a violation of its policy on publicly criticizing officials—a standard that’s been enforced more aggressively in recent seasons to protect the integrity of officiating.

But fans aren’t so sure the fine was justified.

Many have rallied around Cunningham, calling her comments “honest,” “necessary,” and even “brave,” especially in a season where officiating has become one of the most talked-about—and divisive—topics across the league. Social media lit up within minutes of the fine’s announcement, with supporters using it as a rallying cry for more transparency and accountability from the league.

“She said what we’re all thinking,” one fan posted on X. “The calls have been inconsistent all season, and players are tired of it.”

Others pointed out a growing double standard between how players in the WNBA and NBA are treated for voicing similar frustrations. “If this was an NBA star saying the same thing, it would be headline news—not a fine buried in a press release,” wrote one user.

Cunningham has yet to comment publicly on the fine, but those close to her say she stands by her statements and isn’t backing down. Known for her gritty play and unfiltered honesty, she’s built a reputation as a player who speaks from the heart—something fans and teammates deeply respect.

Teammate Diana Taurasi, who’s had her own run-ins with officials over the years, was asked about the fine after practice. Her response? A smirk and a one-liner: “Welcome to the club.”

The incident underscores a broader conversation within the WNBA: Where is the line between honesty and punishment? As the league continues to grow in popularity and coverage, players are becoming more vocal about everything from travel conditions to officiating standards. And fans, for the most part, are listening—and agreeing.

The WNBA has made progress in many areas, but officiating remains a sore spot. This season alone, multiple games have ended in controversy, with missed calls or inconsistent rulings directly impacting outcomes. Coaches have been careful not to cross the line, but players like Cunningham are increasingly taking matters into their own hands.

“This league is built on emotion, passion, and fight,” said one sports commentator. “If players can’t speak out when things feel unfair, that hurts the game more than a missed call ever will.”

Whether the $1,500 fine deters future comments remains to be seen, but if the fan response is any indication, Cunningham’s words hit a nerve far beyond the court.

One thing’s for sure—she’s not alone in calling for change.