The WNBA announced on Wednesday it will be expanding the WNBA season to 50 games and Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has shared her thoughts on the decision.
The expansion, which adds six more games to the season, will go into effect for the 2027 campaign. More details will be released at a later time.
This is just the latest increase for the league, which began with a 32-game season when the WNBA began its first season in 1997.
“Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA.”
MORE: Caitlin Clark suffers major drop in WNBA All-Star voting
Sophie Cunningham reacts to WNBA expansion
Sophie Cunningham was a guest on the USA Network and revealed she is all for the increase.
The reason behind her support is the increase in pay WNBA players received this past offseason thanks to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham flaunts bikini-inspired outfit before Fever game
“My knees are already starting to hurt a little bit more, I’m just going to say that,” the Fever star said. “But, I do say if we’re going to be getting paid that amount of money then you’re expected to play more games.”
“I think it’s fair. I think you’re going to see the season expand into November, so I’m all for it. I think if you’re getting paid that, then you’ve got to put a product out there for longer for people to enjoy,” Cunningham added.
MORE: Caitlin Clark’s debut NIKE signature sneaker draws mixed reactions
WNBA pay increase
Of course, Cunningham is referencing the historic agreement between the league and the WNBPA earlier this year that provided a significant increase in player pay.
The deal increased the salary cap to $7 million, up $1.5 million from the year prior.
It also brought up the average salary in the league to $583,000 and the minimum salary now goes up to $300,000 based on years of service. Both of those figures are expected to rise in the coming years, also.
“We’ve always believed that as this league grows, the players who power it must grow with it, and we’re proud to see that belief shared,” said WNBPA President and former WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike.
MORE: Caitlin Clark’s behind-the-back assist vs. Tempo is a must-see
“We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward. This agreement reflects that shared commitment, with players owning their value and future alongside a league growing stronger because of it,” she added.
The WNBA has exploded in popularity in recent years, mostly because of Caitlin Clark, who has brought in a ton of new eyes to the sport.
Being her teammate, Cunningham has had a front-row seat to Clark’s meteoric rise and has seen a massive increase in her own popularity after defending Clark on numerous occasions.
