The Indiana Fever didn’t rest on their laurels early in WNBA free agency, giving new deals to Lexie Hull, Aliyah Boston and Sophie Cunningham.
Given the new CBA, all three players got notable raises from their previous salaries. Boston, for instance, became the highest-paid player in league history, signing a four-year deal worth $6.3 million.
Hull got $1.58 million over two years, and Cunningham got the shorter end of the stick with a one-year, $665K contract.
That’s why, speaking with co-host West Wilson on their “Show Me Something” podcast, Cunningham admitted she was disappointed with the contract she received.
Sophie Cunningham wanted more money from the Fever
“It’s tough because I came off an injury and I haven’t been in front of any teams. I had a lot going on this offseason, and I was fully cleared, I had all the doctors, they had all the numbers, everything. But if you don’t get in front of these people then it’s like, ‘Hey, are you actually good?’” she admitted.
Cunningham couldn’t finish the campaign due to a season-ending MCL injury. Nevertheless, she ultimately prioritized winning over career earnings, knowing that she could still prove herself and get another lucrative deal in 2027.
“I’m not even gonna lie, that was kind of a little frustrating, because I’m someone who’s like, I kind of shoot it straight, where if I wasn’t feeling good or like I was hesitant, I think I would’ve said something and been honest. I’m just at the point in my career where I want to win,” Cunningham shared.
Cunningham was the Fever’s enforcer, providing a strong energy catalyst off the bench and averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and one steal per game, per Basketball Reference.