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Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham shared a message of her faith on social media this week as the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement approaches across the WNBA.
Cunningham, who is set to become a free agent after her first season with the Fever was cut short by injury, took to X to share a message urging her followers to “be brave and be brave!”
Honorary pace driver Sophie Cunningham participates in pre-race ceremony activities prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
“Jesus is King,” her post read on Wednesday. “Remember to stay focused on what is true, right and fair. Don’t give up [sic] in doing good. Be brave and be brave!”
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The WNBA veteran has been open about her faith on social media in the past and has often shared similar messages on Instagram. Her latest remarks come amid ongoing negotiations with the league over a new CBA and with her own future in Indiana still up in the air.
Cunningham has been among the most outspoken players during the negotiations, taking direct aim at WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert over alleged remarks about the league and one of its biggest stars, Caitlin Clark.
“I’m just sick of our league. They need to step up and get better. Our leadership from top to bottom needs to be held accountable. I think there’s a lot of people in positions of power in the WNBA that they might be really good business people, but they don’t know s— about basketball. And that needs to change,” Cunningham said in the interview last month during her ex.
Sophie Cunningham (8) and Caitlin Clark (22) of the Indiana Fever cheer from the bench against the Chicago Sky at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 7, 2025. (Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
“I think it’s quite shameful that she always makes it about her, Cathy, when it shouldn’t be about her,” she added of Engelbert.
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The remarks stemmed from allegations by WNBPA vice president Napheesa Collier, who claimed Engelbert said in a private conversation that the former Iowa star should be “grateful” for the platform the league is giving her during a conversation about salary issues.
Engelbert disputed the claims, but talks surrounding player pay and concerns about league umpiring have delayed negotiations.
The players association and the WNBA agreed to an eight-year deal in 2020, but last year the WNBPA voted prematurely to opt out of the deal. The current agreement was due to expire on 31 October, but negotiations were extended to 30 November.
WNBA star and Missouri Tigers alum Sophie Cunningham is seen on the sidelines during an SEC football game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on November 8, 2025. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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A source familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the latest proposal included revenue sharing with a maximum salary of more than $1.1 million available to more than one player per season. team, with potential growth every season.
The new league minimum would also increase to more than $220,000 with an average of more than $460,000.
Cunningham will become a free agent in 2026 after signing a one-year deal with Indiana last season. Her first year with the Fever was cut short after an MCL injury that required season-ending surgery.
