Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham addressed WNBA pregame national anthem walkouts during an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast This Past Weekend, stating the demonstrations have been occurring throughout the entire season, Yahoo Sports reported. Cunningham, an unrestricted free agent entering the offseason, tied her decision to stand during the anthem to her family’s military service while calling for greater unity among players across the league.
The 30-year-old guard explained her perspective on the show after several high-profile incidents involving opposing teams leaving the court before tip-off. “This has been happening throughout the whole season,” Cunningham told Von, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “People are just kind of getting mad about it now.”
Anthem Walkouts During the WNBA Finals
The pregame routine drew renewed attention during the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. Both teams left the court before the anthem at Game 1 on Oct. 17 at Chase Center and returned approximately two minutes later, maintaining the practice throughout the series, Yahoo Sports reported.
The 2026 WNBA rulebook instructs players, coaches, and trainers to stand and line up along the sidelines or foul line during the anthem. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase addressed the routine by stating that the team has maintained the pregame practice for two years, according to Yahoo Sports.
Political figures have weighed in on the demonstrations. Following an Aug. 18 game in Atlanta where Dream players stayed off the court while Cunningham held her hand over her heart, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville posted on social media that Cunningham is a true patriot, Yahoo Sports reported.
Cunningham Emphasizes Family Military Ties and Player Unity
Cunningham pointed to her relatives who wore the uniform to explain her stance on participating in the pregame ceremony. “We have family members who have served, and they’re over there doing things that are unimaginable for us to be out here living our dreams,” she said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “So anytime that I can shout out our veterans and the people who are currently fighting for us, I’m going to show that support.”
When questioned by Von about whether players experience pressure to take public stands, Cunningham emphasized the diverse viewpoints within the locker room. “We have a lot of women in this league, and that doesn’t mean we’re all going to agree,” she said, according to Yahoo Sports. “I think we need more unifying.”
Free Agency and Front Office Changes for Indiana
Cunningham finished the 2026 season on a one-year, $665,000 contract and now faces unrestricted free agency following the Fever’s first-round playoff exit, Yahoo Sports reported. Her future in Indianapolis remains tied to a new front office after the franchise parted ways with team president Kelly Krauskopf and general manager Amber Cox, who originally introduced Cunningham to the media on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Sophie Cunningham Addresses Team Anthem Walkouts and Player Unity
What did Sophie Cunningham say about the anthem walkouts?
Cunningham stated on This Past Weekend that team walkouts during the national anthem have occurred throughout the entire season. She expressed support for military veterans based on her own family’s service while emphasizing a need for player unity.
Which teams participated in the Finals walkouts?
The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries left the court before the national anthem during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Oct. 17 at Chase Center. Both teams maintained the routine throughout the series.
What is Cunningham’s contract status?
Cunningham played the 2026 season on a one-year, $665,000 deal and is currently an unrestricted free agent. Her potential return to the Indiana Fever will be decided by the team’s front office following the departures of former general manager Amber Cox and president Kelly Krauskopf.