Fever’s Cunningham Decision Remains Open After Column Draws Criticism

Candace Buckner’s call for the Indiana Fever to part ways with Sophie Cunningham has prompted criticism, while the team’s general manager has praised the guard’s contributions and said the sides expect to discuss her future. Cunningham is an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season, and Indiana has not announced whether it will re-sign her. In an October 6 opinion column, Buckner argued that Cunningham’s outspoken views and the attention surrounding her have created distractions for a team whose focus should be basketball. Buckner said Cunningham’s profile and controversies had drawn Caitlin Clark into debates and contributed to off-court attention around the Fever. Her recommendation was that Indiana move on from Cunningham. The argument drew pushback from fans and commentators, some of whom pointed to Cunningham’s role as a vocal, protective teammate and her value on the court. The responses do not establish how the Fever will weigh those considerations, and the team has not said that off-court controversy will determine its roster decision. General manager Amber Cox praised Cunningham’s leadership, experience and contributions as a shooter.