We’re approaching the WNBA Finals in a day or two, and honestly, what are we even discussing? Everyone seems to have taken the mantra of thinking about the future pretty seriously. With the ongoing fiasco within the league, though, that’s been stretching for months, their concerns are valid. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert may face a dishonorable discharge from her position, given the wave of hate directed at her. Amidst this chaos, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham dropped signs that the very future of the league is at risk.

First reported by WNBA reporter Alexa Philippou, she shared a tweet stating Sophie Cunningham’s opinion on the future of the league. It reads, “There’s a potential lockout. I promise you we aren’t going to play until they give us what we deserve. That’s kinda where it’s headed unfortunately, which would be the dumbest basketball decision, business-wise ever, considering the momentum the W has.”

Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments underscore a growing rift between WNBA players and the league’s leadership, particularly with Cathy Engelbert, amid ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by Lynx star Napheesa Collier.

In her exit interview, Collier accused Engelbert of being “negligent” in her leadership. She also alleges the Commissioner failed to address critical issues such as officiating and player compensation. Per Collier, Engelbert reportedly believes Caitlin Clark should be “on her knees” in gratitude for the ‘platform’ the WNBA provides. And most recently, in her exit interview, Sophie Cunningham has let loose on W’s management.

She claims, “I think there are a lot of people in positions of power in the WNBA who, they might be really great business people, but they don’t know s— about basketball, and that’s got to change.” Sophie Cunningham echoed the ongoing demands to remove Cathy Engelbert.

“Not really a fan of our leadership,” she continues. “I think they’re failing us as a league, definitely failing us as players… It’s pretty shameful that she always makes it about her, Cathy, when it should have nothing to do with her.” This was Cunningham’s two cents on the ongoing negotiations. And with the Fever guard backing Phee, it will be hard for Engelbert to recover from this.

However, Sophie Cunningham is not alone in support of the WNBA Commissioner’s resignation. Many other players have also spoken in favor of this demand. Joining her in this plight is Caitlin Clark. In her exit interview, the Fever superstar said, “We need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history, where this league’s been around for 25-plus years, and this is a moment we have to capitalize on. So that’s honestly what I would say. Phee said it all. What she said and the points she made were very valid.”

Caitlin Clark did not comment directly on Cathy Engelbert’s reported remarks. However, with her taking the side of the Lynx star, it becomes clear. Apart from her, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have already given their unfiltered support to Napheesa Collier over this issue. Now the ball is in Cathy Engelbert’s court. However, given the current state of affairs, the resignation seems to be the most probable decision. Coming back to the player’s side of things, there is also a possibility that fans will see Sophie Cunningham on a new team…

Sophie Cunningham might find a new home away from the Fever for the 2026 season, but why?

Apart from Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Makayla Timpson, the rest of the players are entering free agency in the offseason. And despite loving her time with the Indiana side, Sophie Cunningham is keeping her options open. To imply her availability, the Fever star had a rather cheeky reply ready.

She said, “I might be blonde, but I can’t just not look at other opportunities.”

However, Cunningham has not completely closed her Indy doors. Showing a certain sense of openness to staying if the conditions align, she said, “But my hope is, I’ve had a great time here, and I would like to continue that.” Currently, the Fever guard is nursing a season-ending injury, slowly revamping herself for the hardwood. However, the current state of the league leaves her slightly pessimistic about the future.

She added, “I also think with the new CBA, there’s a lot on the line.” Indeed, there is a lot at stake when half of the players are complaining about upper management. Veteran players, such as Kelsey Mitchell, are also concerned. “I hope we got a league,” she said in her exit interview…

One person who remains unapologetic for her comments is Sophie Cunningham, and she has always been this way. She’s willing to enter a lockout for the 2026 season if her and her colleagues’ demands aren’t met.

What do you think is going to happen?