Sophie Cunningham has never been one to hold back her opinions, but her latest comments after a razor-thin 81-80 loss have set the WNBA world ablaze. The Phoenix Mercury guard, known for her competitive spirit and fearless personality, took direct aim at the league’s referees once again—accusing them of blatant bias that she claims is undermining the integrity of the sport.
Her post-game remarks carried the kind of sting that couldn’t be ignored. “She gets every whistle!” Cunningham exclaimed, referring to the game’s officiating and the way it favored one particular player from the opposing Dallas Wings. It was not Caitlin Clark, a frequent subject of heated debate, who sparked her ire this time, but a rookie player wearing the Wings’ jersey. In Cunningham’s view, the uneven calls were so glaring that they overshadowed the game’s competitive balance and called into question the fairness of league officiating as a whole.
What made her comments even more striking was the fact that her team, the Fever, had fought fiercely until the final seconds, losing by just one point. Instead of focusing on her own squad’s missed opportunities or the narrow defeat, Cunningham zeroed in on what she perceives as a systemic problem—one that she believes is eroding the league’s credibility.
“I don’t care if it’s Clark, the Wings’ rookie, or anybody else,” she said. “If you’re giving someone special treatment because of who they are or the story you want to tell, you’re hurting the game. Fans see it. Players feel it. And it’s got to stop.”
The WNBA has faced criticism over officiating in recent seasons, with some players and coaches suggesting that certain stars receive more favorable calls than others. While the league has not publicly acknowledged any pattern of bias, the perception has lingered—and Cunningham’s comments have only amplified the conversation.
Her words also touched on deeper concerns that go beyond a single game. She suggested that inconsistent officiating damages not only the outcomes of games but also the trust between players, officials, and fans. “When you step on that court, you should believe you’re getting a fair shot, no matter your name, your age, or how many followers you’ve got on social media,” she said.
Fan reaction to her remarks was swift and polarized. Supporters applauded Cunningham for speaking out against what they see as an obvious problem, praising her courage to call out the league despite potential backlash. Others accused her of making excuses for a close loss, arguing that all teams face tough calls and that officiating mistakes are part of the game.
Social media lit up with clips from the game, slowed down and replayed to highlight controversial fouls—or non-calls—on both sides. Analysts debated whether Cunningham had a legitimate point or whether emotions from the tight finish were influencing her perception. Regardless, her comments reignited a long-running conversation about transparency in officiating and whether the WNBA should adopt measures like expanded video review or independent oversight to address concerns.
For Cunningham, the issue seems personal but also rooted in a broader mission. “I love this league,” she said, “but loving something means you want it to be better. And it won’t get better if we pretend everything’s fine.”
Her fiery post-game interview may result in a fine from the league, as WNBA rules prohibit public criticism of officials. But if that happens, it’s unlikely to silence her. In fact, given her history, Cunningham may be even more determined to keep pressing the issue until she sees meaningful change.
One thing is certain: whether fans agree with her or not, Sophie Cunningham has once again forced the league to confront an uncomfortable question—one that will continue to echo long after the final whistle.
