A more than 600% increment did not seem enough to Sophie Cunningham. After earning $100,000 in 2025, Cunningham signed a one-year $662,000 deal with the Indiana Fever under the new CBA. “I’m not even gonna lie to you, though, it’s a little, kind of, frustrating.” The Fever wing flatly said that she was not content with the contract. That quickly went viral on social media. But Cunningham has now clarified what exactly she meant by that statement. 

“I’m not going to put my ego in front of things. And I know it is a business, but I just think I’m wired a little differently. I don’t know. I just want to win,” Cunningham had said. She maintained being happy at the Fever but the contract was not the one she expected. However, it is not for monetary reasons, as she has shut down the narrative of financial greed. 

“I’m gonna shut this down right now. I’m not mad about the money…. I just wanted more years because I love it here,” Cunningham wrote. “I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me. That’s it. That’s the truth. I think we have something very special here in Indiana!!”

Cunningham was already pretty clear on what she wanted: a long-term deal. “I think the next team I play for, I want a bigger contract. So then I can buy a house and be homey and cozy,” she had said. However, because of the team chemistry and the love for the team, Cunningham compromised with a one-year deal. Because the Fever could not afford giving her more than that. 

The franchise signed Aliyah Boston on a 4-year, $6.3 million contract under the EPIC provision and they have Caitlin Clark on the docket. Those two players will dominate their salary cap in years to come and the front office wants them to be around for a long time. That is the same reason Kelsey Mitchell signed a one-year supermax contract as well. Signing the two on one-year deals gave the Fever more financial flexibility in the future. And maybe she compromised on the money aspect as well. 

“I was pretty surprised,” Fever insider Tony East said. “Getting Cunningham on a one-year, $665,000 protected deal, I thought she’d fetch more than that in free agency myself.” So, Cunningham has showed her love to Indiana with the deal she signed. But it’s also true she is coming off an MCL injury, which could have limited her offers and handicapped her on the negotiating table.

In addition,  playing for the biggest fanbase in the league and the most popular player, Caitlin Clark, gives Cunningham more off-court opportunities and increased earning potential. Beyond her own contract, Sophie Cunningham has also appealed to WNBA owners to invest in a specific type of player. 

The One Player Sophie Cunningham Can’t Replace from the 2025 Roster

The 2025 Indiana Fever was special. They were racking up injuries every other day and still had their best season since 2015. They trudged their way to Game 5 of the semifinal and even then left with a couple of what-ifs as Aliyah Boston fouled out and Kelsey Mitchell suffered with a medical condition. The injury hit squad achieved all that solely on team chemistry and “the power of friendship.”  From that beloved squad, the Fever have retained plenty of key pieces but Sophie Cunningham revealed one player that they did not retain and she will miss. 

“I think I’m going to miss Syd,” Cunningham said onher podcast “Show Me Something”. “She was such a good locker room presence, and when she got in the game, she was so solid. There’s something to be said about players who are culture people, because that’s a huge part of winning teams that maybe a lot of coaches or front offices don’t invest in but should.”

At the age of 36, Sydney Colson largely came off the bench, playing 13.5 minutes per game. But her experience and personality were essential in that locker room. The stand-up comedian cum basketball player was the premier entertainer and helped keep things light during difficult times, which were in abundance. 

Unfortunately, an ACL tear ended her season last year and a comeback to the team after that is already difficult. The Fever already had their purse strings tight, which meant they did not resign her. However, she could still come in as a part of the staff if she remains unsigned so the team could retain her locker room presence.