Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham did not beat around the bush while giving her opinion about the WNBA expanding its schedule to 50 games in the regular season starting in 2027.

On Wednesday, Cunningham made her broadcasting debut on USA Sports, where she had an interesting take on the league expanding once again.

“Yeah, you know, my knees are already starting to hurt a little bit more. I’m just going to say that, but I do say, you know, if we’re going to be getting paid that amount of money, then you’re expected to play more games.” Cunningham said.

"I think it’s fair. I think you’re going to see the season expand into November. And 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. So I’m all for it.” The veteran guard added.

According to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the league has never been more popular than it is now. In addition, the league and the players' union signed a transformative CBA earlier this year that has players paid more than ever before.

According to the terms of the new CBA, the WNBA schedule can increase to a maximum of 50 games in 2027 and 2028. That figure jumps to 52 games from 2029-32.

The CBA also states that the 2027 season can start as early as April 1st and go no later than November 21st.

It is crazy to think that the WNBA started its inaugural season with a 28-game schedule and is now closing on 50. This phenomenon is also much in thanks to Cunningham's teammate, Caitlin Clark, who has completely taken the league by storm since her debut.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

Every single transformative decision in the WNBA over the past two years can be tied to the debut of CC22. Clark's effect originated from her historic collegiate campaign with Iowa, and has since translated into record-breaking attendance and massive media rights deals in the WNBA.

Clark broke countless records as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024 and was the catalyst for the league's 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon. It has since then increased to $3.1 billion this year.

This season, the Indiana Fever is the only team in the WNBA to have all 44 of its regular-season games broadcast nationally, with 39 of them being played in NBA-sized arenas.

The hype Clark brought along with her has given the league a big shot in the arm in terms of fan interest. With Clark only in her third year, the sky is the limit for where the WNBA can reach with the help of stars like her, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson, Cunningham, and more.

So, did the Caitlin Clark effect bring you in as a fan too, or have you been watching the WNBA for a while now? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy