Sophie Cunningham addresses backlash over MVP comments on teammates
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 4:45 AM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever responded to backlash regarding her MVP comments about teammates Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Tempo. Cunningham clarified that her support for Mitchell did not diminish Clark's achievements, emphasizing both players' importance to the team. Mitchell has been a standout, breaking the Fever's scoring record this season and achieving a WNBA milestone with 20 points in 24 consecutive games. The MVP discussion is gaining traction as Cunningham names Mitchell as her personal pick, indicating both players merit recognition without rivalry being necessary.
- •Cunningham defends her MVP stance on a podcast discussion.
- •Cunningham highlights both Clark and Mitchell as elite players.
- •Mitchell set a Fever record, surpassing 1,000 points this season.
- •The Fever will face the Toronto Tempo on Friday.
- 9:43 PMYahoo Sports — “I Just Think It’s Crazy”: Sophie Cunningham Pushes Back Against WNBA Media Over Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell MVP Stance
- 4:45 AMYahoo Sports — ‘That Was Actually Psychotic’ — Sophie Cunningham Rejects WNBA Media Backlash Over Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell MVP Stance
"Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham recently faced backlash after her comments on the MVP race involving two of her teammates, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. While many people opposed her stance, Cunningham remained unfazed, knowing and understanding what she sees from the inside. On Thursday’s episode of her “No Hesitation Podcast,” the Fever star doubled [...]
"The Indiana Fever are back from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup break, getting ready to open the season’s stretch run on the road against the Toronto Tempo on Friday. But the upcoming basketball isn’t the only thing people are talking about right now.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 9:43 PM“I Just Think It’s Crazy”: Sophie Cunningham Pushes Back Against WNBA Media Over Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell MVP Stance
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham recently faced backlash after her comments on the MVP race involving two of her teammates, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. While many people opposed her stance, Cunningham remained unfazed, knowing and understanding what she sees from the inside. On Thursday’s episode of her “No Hesitation Podcast,” the Fever star doubled [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 4:45 AM‘That Was Actually Psychotic’ — Sophie Cunningham Rejects WNBA Media Backlash Over Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell MVP Stance
The Indiana Fever are back from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup break, getting ready to open the season’s stretch run on the road against the Toronto Tempo on Friday. But the upcoming basketball isn’t the only thing people are talking about right now.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Nov 7, 2026, 4:39 PMCaitlin Clark quizzed on when her Taylor Swift-inspired shoes are being released
WNBA•Nov 7, 2026, 12:05 PMAngel Reese adds to speculation as Kelsey Mitchell allegedly unfollows the Fever
WNBA•Nov 7, 2026, 11:40 AM‘Beyond parody’: Fox News can’t stop talking about Sophie Cunningham after Republican midterm losses
WNBA•Nov 6, 2026, 2:05 AMCaitlin Clark attends Illinois versus Penn basketball game
WNBA•Nov 5, 2026, 7:36 PMGolden State Valkyries parade: How to celebrate WNBA championship in SF
WNBA•Nov 5, 2026, 5:27 PMWNBA free agency: Mitchell, Collier, Young among top 2027 free agents