Sophie Cunningham, once desperately needing a second job to survive, lands a $665K payday
What once seemed impossible during her early WNBA days has become part of a very different financial reality for Cunnigham
S ophie Cunningham's financial situation looks very different today. When she entered the WNBA in 2019, her rookie salary was barely enough to cover her expenses, leaving her wondering whether she needed a second job to make ends meet.
During an appearance on Theo Von's podcast, the Indiana Fever guard recalled earning around $28,000 after taxes in her first season. Despite reaching her goal of becoming a professional basketball player, the financial reality was far from what she had expected.
A major change in WNBA salaries
Seven years later, which seems like a long time, Cunningham secured a one-year, $665,000 contract to remain with Indiana for the 2026 season. The payday marks a significant change from her rookie earnings and reflects the financial progress made across the league. Although there's still exists a major gap between the NBA and the WNBA .
The new collective bargaining agreement, ratified in March 2026, increased the WNBA salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million . The changes have given players access to salaries that were difficult to imagine when Cunningham first entered the league.
Building wealth beyond basketball
Cunningham has also developed income opportunities outside the court. Her partnerships with brands such as Adidas, Arby's and Quest Nutrition have expanded her commercial presence, while her work in sports media and podcasting has opened additional doors.
She has also invested in real estate, purchasing vacation properties that can generate income beyond her playing career. After once considering another job to support herself, Cunningham now has a much stronger financial foundation and more opportunities to plan for life after basketball.
