These are exciting times to be a WNBA fan. With the ongoing 2025 WNBA finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, everybody is busy watching these two quality teams clash. However, one of Caitlin Clark’s teammates has shown no interest in watching the WNBA Finals. That teammate is none other than her ‘protector’ Sophie Cunningham. Some may think that she isn’t watching the finals because her team isn’t in them. But when we hear her side of the reasoning, it all seems to make sense.

Talking about the 2025 WNBA Finals on the recent episode of her Show Me Something podcast, Cunningham explained why she needs a break from the league.

When her co-host asked about which team she’ll support, Sophie had this to say, “You know what, I don’t even know if I’m gonna watch. I’m over it. I need a break from the toxicity of the WNBA. It’s been a drama-filled season for multiple reasons.” If you’ve followed the Indiana Fever this year around, you know that their season was nothing short of a M. Night Shyamalan thriller. With so many twists and turns throughout the season, everybody would be done with it by now.

The drama started with the entire DeWanna Bonner saga. And from then on, began the saga of injuries. Till August 7, they were limited to just Caitlin Clark. However, a single game against the Phoenix Mercury opened the floodgates. After losing Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald in the same game, the Fever went on to lose Sophie Cunningham, Chloe Bibby, and, in their final game of the season, Kelsey Mitchell.

Throughout these injuries, a recurring sentiment coming out was the poor standard of officiating and, of course, the fines. Who would know more about the fines than Sophie Cunningham? But if that wasn’t all, Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview seemed to be the final nail in the coffin. With so many revelations, including how Caitlin Clark’s $16 million deal won’t be there without Cathy Engelbert. With all that going around in the season, it seems like Sophie Cunningham is done with the league for the time being.

And it is understandable, of course, professional athletes already have so much stress and mental fatigue built up by the time the season ends. Add all this drama to the equation, and the best would want to take a break. But the question would still remain: once the CBA negotiations are done, will we see Sophie Cunningham in the Indiana Fever jersey again?

Will Caitlin Clark’s Protector Return to the Indiana Fever Next Season?

In her exit interview, Sophie Cunningham had admitted her love for the Indiana Fever and had even shown a desire to return to the franchise. However, at the same time, she admitted the reality of the situation and the fact that she needs to evaluate all the offers she gets once the CBA negotiations are done. When asked about whether she wants to come back, she had a fairly diplomatic response.

She said, “I’m definitely going to be entertaining other teams, other offers. But my hope is, you know, I’ve had a great time here, and I would like to continue that, but I also think with the new CBA, there’s a lot on the line.” Well, considering the impact Sophie had on the team and the close bond she has with Caitlin Clark, it is natural to assume that the Indiana Fever would do whatever it can to bring her back.

However, with almost the entire league hitting the free-agency, there might be some better opportunities for the Fever. We should also remember that the Indiana Fever also has to re-sign Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull. With the way these CBA negotiations have dragged on, the future is murky for all involved. But it is clear that from both sides, there is a willingness to run it back next year. Sure, the numbers also have to make sense, but as things stand, we’d bet on Sophie Cunningham coming back to the Indiana Fever next season.