WNBA facing backlash over Sophie Cunningham incident

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham received an elbow to the face and was still called for a defensive foul against the Minnesota Lynx.

The Fever visited the Lynx on their home floor at the Target Center on Sunday for a massive regular season showdown. Minnesota took down Indiana, 108-100, to extend their win streak to 10 and snap the Fever’s own five-game streak. But one play made the game controversial.

In the second quarter, Cunningham guarded Nia Coffey but was the recipient of an elbow to the face when Coffey tried to swing the ball.

However, the Fever guard was called for a defensive foul even after the official review was done. This clip was posted by a Cunningham fan club account on X.

“This was called a defensive foul on Sophie…” the caption read.

This was called a defensive foul on Sophie… pic.twitter.com/Js4ghvGIlV

— Sophie Cunningham FAN CLUB (@SophieC_FanClub) August 2, 2026

Fans vent out frustration over the controversial foul on Sophie Cunningham

Fans quickly came to Cunningham’s defense on social media, calling out the questionable call by the game officials. Some turned on the WNBA, accusing the league of an agenda against Cunningham.

“Refs suck period. WNBA need full-time refs that are qualified to call pro games!!! I don’t care what team you pull for, they need to call games down the line for both team!!!!!,” a fan said.

“You can’t make this up… and it’s so blatantly obvious. ,” a user stated.

“She hit that girl with her face! Ridiculous,” a comment read.

“Seems like it’s a Fever thing. #WNBA,” another added.

“The fans are gonna have to do something. They’re just gonna have to boycott and not go to games if that crap continues. It’s up to the fans if tickets don’t sell they’ll start listening,” a fan declared.

“Referees need to be investigated and fired! This was clearly NOT a foul but an attack on Sophie Cunningham,” another user pointed out.

The Fever will now prepare for another marquee matchup against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, as they head back home at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.