Candace Buckner of The Athletic suggests that Sophie Cunningham may need to leave the Indiana Fever to help the team refocus on basketball. Buckner argues that Cunningham has become a distraction, overshadowing the team's performance this season.
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Cunningham, who will soon be a WNBA free agent, is a polarizing figure in the league. While she enjoys considerable popularity among fans, she faces significant criticism from some media. Buckner's column characterized Cunningham's outspoken nature as a detriment to the Fever's on-court priorities, suggesting that opinions voiced by a bench player should not take precedence over the team's goals.
This season, Cunningham has been vocal on several controversial issues, including debates about gender inclusion in sports. In an interview, she maintained that biological males should compete separately from women, a stance she stood by despite receiving backlash. Cunningham also encouraged WNBA players to toughen up in the face of criticism, after an incident involving Aces player A'ja Wilson reacting to fan remarks.
Despite the criticisms, Cunningham remains popular among fans, with her merchandise selling out quickly and a large social media following. Buckner, however, described the attention surrounding Cunningham as a 'circus' fueled by various public figures and media narratives.
While Buckner proposed that Cunningham could find a home with other teams, her assessments have been met with some skepticism. Supporters contend that Cunningham's performance as a player, including her impressive shooting statistics, should not be overshadowed by her off-court persona. Ultimately, the Fever's recent playoff exit is viewed as stemming from competition rather than fan engagement or media controversy.