WNBA referees accused of favoring Paige Bueckers, claims Sophie Cunningham
In the world of the WNBA, controversy has been brewing over the officiating, with Indiana Fever's guard Sophie Cunningham at the centre of the storm. Cunningham has been fined three times this season for publicly criticizing the referees, with her latest penalty coming after comments on her podcast, Show Me Something.
Cunningham expressed frustration over supposed inconsistent refereeing favouring Dallas Wings' rookie star, Paige Bueckers. She found it "so annoying" that Bueckers was receiving "every freaking whistle" during a recent game. This criticism follows fines totalling $2,000 from two earlier incidents: a $500 fine last month over a TikTok video and a $1,500 fine for statements during the first episode of her podcast. The exact amount of the third fine remains undisclosed.
Meanwhile, Cunningham's teammate, Aliyah Boston, has also been vocal about the officiating, with head coach Stephanie White stating that Boston is the worst officiated post player in the league. White did not call out any players by name in her complaints, but her comments come after the Fever's loss to the Wings on Tuesday, with a score of 81-80.
The inconsistencies in officiating have not gone unnoticed by other WNBA figures. Sophie Cunningham's former teammate, Sophie Cunningham, criticized the WNBA officials for giving special treatment to Bueckers in her podcast. Kelsey Mitchell, another Fever player, has also been vocal about feeling held or chucked on every possession without getting a call off the ball.
Indiana head coach Stephanie White has joined the chorus of complaints, stating that there is a "double standard" in how calls are made in the WNBA. White suggests that if physicality is allowed, both teams should be held to the same standard. This sentiment was echoed after Tuesday's loss, with White complaining about the "double standard" in officiating.
As the season progresses, and if the current fining rate continues, Fever fans may need to start a GoFundMe to cover the fines. The Fever are currently in the playoff race, and the distractions caused by the officiating controversies could potentially impact their chances.
The WNBA, however, maintains that its officiating is fair and consistent, and that players are held to the same standards regardless of their team or individual status. The league continues to monitor the situation closely and will take appropriate action as necessary.
[1] [ESPN, "Sophie Cunningham fined $1,500 for criticizing WNBA officiating on podcast", 2025] [2] [CBS Sports, "Sophie Cunningham fined $500 for TikTok video criticizing WNBA officiating", 2025]
In the extensive complaints about officiating in the WNBA, Sophie Cunningham's criticisms towards Paige Bueckers and the alleged favoritism she receives during games have been a significant point, as evidenced by her recent podcast comments and previous fines. Notably, her teammate Aliyah Boston has voiced similar concerns, while Kelsey Mitchell and Indiana head coach Stephanie White have also spoken out against the perceived double standard in officiating.
