Sophie Cunningham, known for her strong personality and fearless opinions, once again made headlines after speaking out on a critical issue in the WNBA. This time, she addressed the growing concern over player injuries and the intense demands of the league’s schedule, using the recent injuries of Caitlin Clark as a clear example.
In the second episode of the podcast Show Me Something with West Wilson, Cunningham openly discussed a topic that many players hesitate to touch: the physical and mental toll the WNBA’s structure imposes. According to Essentiallysports, she didn’t hold back when analyzing how the league operates and what it demands from its athletes.
A candid opinion on the WNBA
She stated: “If we ask to get paid more, then we’ll have to create more products… You have to be really smart, especially as you get older. I think college kids, and maybe two years out of college, can do it. But you can’t play all year anymore.”
With these words, Cunningham questioned the sustainability of playing basketball year-round — between the WNBA and overseas leagues. She pointed out that many players choose to compete internationally during the offseason to boost their income, but this nonstop calendar causes cumulative fatigue, increasing the risk of injury.
The 28-year-old guard emphasized how this relentless pace has already affected top-tier athletes. She used Caitlin Clark‘s case as a concrete example, noting that her teammate has already suffered two groin injuries that sidelined her, despite being new to the league.
Cunningham’s remarks highlight the urgent need for the WNBA to reconsider how it structures its season and manages player health and workload. As athletes strive for better pay and more exposure, they also face serious physical consequences. Her comments spark a necessary conversation about protecting the league’s stars before injuries derail promising careers.
