After Sophie Cunningham drew attention by expressing disappointment over her one-year, $665,000 contract with the Indiana Fever on her podcast Show Me Something (with co-host West Wilson), she appears to be clarifying her words in a recent video shared by Kareem Copeland on X.

Speaking to reporters at the Indiana Fever training camp on April 21st, she said, "I just wanted to be somewhere for more than one year. I’m almost 30 years old, I want to have a home, I want to get established, and I would love to get established in a place like Indiana."

Cunningham also spoke about her connection with the team, saying, "We had such a great time. When you find a group of girls who really make you fall in love with basketball again... you want to hold on to that. And so that’s what I meant by that.”

She further reiterated that her contract concerns had nothing to do with money. Instead, "I am so grateful. I know I’m coming off a pretty big knee injury, so it was never about the money," said Cunningham, who joined the Fever last season after spending six years with the Phoenix Mercury.

Before her injury, Sophie Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1 steal in 25.2 minutes over 30 games before her season ended with a torn MCL on Aug. 17 against the Connecticut Sun.

Because of her connection with the team, Cunningham said she chose the Fever over other offers that included multi-year deals.

"It was just about the years, because I wanted to be with them. God forbid a girl loves her teammates,” the 29-year-old concluded.

Her comments clarify earlier words. During an episode on April 20th, West Wilson asked Sophie Cunningham whether her contract met expectations, and she replied, “Nope,” saying she was coming off an injury and had a tough offseason.

She further called it “frustrating” and has now clarified that her decision was about her teammates, not the pay, as she chose to stay with the Indiana Fever.

She also may not be overly concerned about salary, considering she is already the fifth-highest-paid player by the Fever for the 2026 season.

Regardless, Cunningham says she’s focused on winning with the Indiana Fever in 2026 and has also shared a positive update about her fitness ahead of the season.

Sophie Cunningham's Fitness Update Ahead of 2026 Season

“I think there’s a difference between training and playing pickup and doing all that stuff,” Sophie Cunningham said recently.

“But when you actually have to go play, and it has to be intentional movements, it’s different. But, I’m 29, and truly, I feel better than I ever have.”

That update gives Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever optimism heading into the season, as her scoring and perimeter shooting off the bench add value. At the same time, her physical style brings an edge that could impact her future in free agency.

Moreover, with Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark leading the lineup and players like Lexie Hull and rookie Raven Johnson strengthening the team’s perimeter defense, the Indiana Fever look well-positioned for the season.

So, with the Indiana Fever set to open their regular season on May 9 against the Dallas Wings, do you think Sophie Cunningham will be able to perform well?

Read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma