Sophie Cunningham ejected for defending Caitlin Clark during WNBA game

In the recent match on June 17, 2025, between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, Sophie Cunningham, a player for the Fever, made headlines for her fierce defense of her teammate Caitlin Clark. The game, which ended with the Fever defeating the Sun 88-71, was marked by a series of physical encounters particularly aimed at Clark. This incident began when Clark was fouled hard by Jacy Sheldon, prompting a chaotic response on the court. After a confrontation that saw Cunningham retaliate against Sheldon, all three players involved were ejected from the game shortly before its conclusion. This action not only highlighted Cunningham's willingness to stand up for her teammate but also pointed to ongoing concerns regarding player safety in the league. Following the ejection, Cunningham publicly criticized WNBA referees for not protecting Clark adequately, which resonates with a broader issue of how star players are treated during games. On social media, Cunningham's stance was met with praise from many fans who saw her as a protector of Clark, with reports indicating a surge in her jersey sales and a increase in her popularity among fans, securing her position as an emerging star in the WNBA. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stronger protections for star players within women's basketball and the potential impact it may have on the league's reputation. As Cunningham's popularity grows, so does the conversation around sportsmanship, player safety, and the dynamics within the WNBA.