Sophie Cunningham sends clear warning to WNBA after Fever’s playoff exit

The Indiana Fever entered Tuesday night’s WNBA semifinals matchup against the Las Vegas Aces in a win-or-go-home scenario.

Despite fighting until the final buzzer in overtime, they ultimately fell short, 107-98, ending their season and setting up a WNBA Finals showdown between the Aces and the Phoenix Mercury.

For the Fever, simply reaching that point was no small feat. They spent much of the season without superstar guard Caitlin Clark, who appeared in just 13 games before suffering a season-ending groin injury in mid-July.

Clark wasn’t the only key player sidelined. The Fever also lost guards Sydney Colson, Chloe Bibby, Aari McDonald, and two-way star Sophie Cunningham to injuries during their playoff push. On Tuesday, Kelsey Mitchell, who finished third in the league in scoring during the regular season (20.2 points per game), went down in the second half with a lower-body injury and did not return.

Still, the Fever battled through adversity, pushing the two-time champions to the brink and coming just one game shy of the WNBA Finals in head coach Stephanie White’s first year at the helm.

Moments after the game, Cunningham issued a bold message to the rest of the league about what’s coming next season.

“Us. Can’t make this season up!” Cunningham posted. “So much to be proud of. You better believe we are coming for EVERYBODY next season.”

More WNBA: WNBA Commissioner Breaks Silence on Napheesa Collier-Caitlin Clark Controversy

More WNBA: Angel Reese Reacts to Criticism of WNBA Leader’s Caitlin Clark Remarks

Cunningham just wrapped up her first season with the Fever, quickly emerging as a fan favorite not only for her steady play on the court but also for her outspoken personality off it. Never afraid to speak her mind, Cunningham often voiced her opinions, even about officiating, which led to multiple fines during the year.

Unfortunately, her season was cut short in August when she suffered a torn MCL during a matchup against the Connecticut Sun after an opposing player fell into her knee. The injury required surgery and officially ended her 2025 season, placing her next to Clark on the sideline.

More WNBA: Caitlin Clark Sends Touching Message to Fever After Playoff Elimination

Clark also spoke out after the loss on social media, offering high praise to her teammates for battling through adversity and finishing the year as one of the league’s best teams. She also gave a brief shoutout to the Fever fans who packed Gainbridge Fieldhouse every time the team hit the floor.

“So much to be proud of,” Clark wrote. “Shoutout to the fans for staying with us all year.”

More WNBA: WNBA Commissioner Faces Outrage Over Alleged Caitlin Clark Comments