Sophie Cunningham Weighs In on WNBA Anthem Skips: 'Of Course I Have Thoughts'

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is back in the middle of a WNBA debate. In a sit-down interview with podcaster Theo Von, the 30-year-old was asked about the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skipping the national anthem during the WNBA Finals, and she did not dodge the question.

“I mean, you know who you’re talking to? Of course I have thoughts on it,” Cunningham said, according to the New York Post and Complex, which both published her comments on Thursday, Oct. 29.

What did Sophie Cunningham say about the national anthem?

Cunningham did not call out the Dream or the Valkyries by name. Instead, she framed her answer around her own view and her support for the military.

“This has been happening throughout the whole season. This isn’t like anything new, people are getting mad about it now but it’s happened the whole season,” she said, as quoted by the New York Post. “I just feel like personally I have a lot — I am grateful and I support the people who serve.”

She added that her family includes people who have served, and that “anytime that I can shout out our veterans and the people who are currently fighting for us to live in the best country, I’m going to show that support, I’m going to give them love.”

Cunningham also made clear she was speaking only for herself:

• “That’s where I stand. That doesn’t mean that’s where everyone stands and if it’s right, wrong, whatever.”
• “I take a lot of pride in where I come from and I’m proud to be an American citizen.”

The two outlets published slightly different transcriptions of the same remarks, but the substance matches: she supports honoring the anthem and veterans, while acknowledging others in the league disagree.

Why is the WNBA Finals anthem issue a big story?

According to the New York Post, the Dream and Valkyries skipped “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the first five games of the Finals, returning to the court shortly after the anthem ended. Complex notes that some teams had been doing this during high-profile games all season, but the Finals put a much brighter spotlight on it.

No explicit reason has been given for the decision. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase has described it as part of the team’s pregame routine, and Golden State’s Gabby Williams has said it is not new, the Post reported. In 2020, the Dream released a statement saying “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans.”

The move has drawn criticism, including from Vice President J.D. Vance, who said “you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large.”

The Valkyries led the series 3-2 heading into Game 6 in Atlanta, scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET, per the Post.

Did she talk about anything else with Theo Von?

According to Complex, Von also asked whether players face pressure in the WNBA to take a stand on issues. Cunningham said the league is “kind of known for” standing for a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean every player agrees.

Complex reported that she suggested the league’s rising popularity is a big reason the anthem issue suddenly drew so much attention.

Is Sophie Cunningham a free agent?

Yes. Cunningham signed a one-year deal to return to the Fever for the 2026 season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, according to Athlon Sports.

Key facts about her 2026 season, per Athlon Sports:

On her “No Hesitation” podcast earlier in October, Cunningham reflected on the season: “We were so good, and it was so much fun. The squad really loved each other.” On her future, she said, “I don’t know what the offseason holds. A lot of us are under free agency now, so who knows?”

The Fever will decide whether to offer her a new contract, and once the negotiating window opens she can also talk to other teams.

Why does Sophie Cunningham keep making headlines?

Cunningham has become one of the WNBA’s most outspoken players. The New York Post noted she became a national storyline this season after stating her opposition to transgender athletes, a discussion that carried on through the rest of the season. She has also built a following through her own podcast and media appearances.

On the court, the eight-year veteran has played the role of enforcer and reliable bench shooter in Indiana, Athlon Sports reported. She has appeared in one WNBA Finals, in 2021 with the Phoenix Mercury, when the Chicago Sky won the title in four games.

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