This WNBA Fine Is Turning Into a Viral Fan Movement Backing Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham is in hot water with the WNBA, but fans aren’t letting her face the heat alone.
The Indiana Fever guard was fined $500 after posting a TikTok video that criticized league referees.
The clip, which featured Cunningham playfully calling out questionable officiating, quickly caught the WNBA’s attention and then the internet’s. Once the fine became public, social media exploded with support, turning the punishment into a viral fan movement.
“Can I pay this fine for you & then prepay another for you so you can do it again?” one user posted. Another added, “Start a GoFundMe and keep them rolling. The refs think y’all play street ball in West Philly…”
I got fined $500 for this TikTok ???????? idk why this is funny to me… like ok ???????? you got it bud! Cause there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now pic.twitter.com/ELAlguHhMQ
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 23, 2025
Fans weren’t just cracking jokes. They were asking serious questions about fairness and transparency.
One tweet read, “Imagine league watching TikToks just to fine players for talking smack to refs.”
Another put it bluntly: “What are y’all going to do when someone takes [Caitlin] Clark’s knee or ankle out for good and the ref calls a foul on her?”
"Can I pay this fine for you & then prepay another for you so you can do it again? I’d consider it a good investment," another fan chimed in.
Even LASIK.com jumped in, joking that instead of issuing fines, “Giving a $500 fine is crazyyyyy when they could literally all just get free LASIK.”
The incident may have started as a lighthearted video, but it’s become a flashpoint for larger frustrations. Fans feel like officiating in the league isn’t getting the scrutiny it deserves, while players are being penalized for saying what many are already thinking.
Cunningham hasn’t commented further, but the video remains up. And judging by the reaction online, she’s not the only one willing to call it like she sees it.
Whether the WNBA reconsiders its approach or doubles down, the message from fans is clear: they’re watching, and they’re ready to stand behind the players who speak up.