Dawn Staley Praises Leadership of Aliyah Boston and Victaria Saxton Ahead of 2022 Title Run

Before South Carolina’s 2022 national championship win, head coach Dawn Staley publicly praised the leadership and maturity of two of her standout players: Aliyah Boston and Victaria Saxton.

The duo was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ run to the title, which they secured by defeating UConn in the NCAA championship game.

In the days leading up to March Madness, Staley appeared on the “NETLIFE” podcast with former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Reggie Love.

During the conversation, she highlighted what sets South Carolina apart—particularly in the way her players lead and carry themselves both on and off the court.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a really responsible team. We have great leadership,” Staley said.

“Victaria Saxton and Aliyah Boston are both young women who, if they were not captains of our basketball team, they could be CEOs of Fortune 500 companies because they get it, they see the big picture.

“They’re unafraid to address anything that doesn’t seem appropriate for whatever the situation calls for, so I really love that about them… they make my job a lot easier because of how they lead.”

Staley, whose estimated net worth is $12 million according to Celebrity Net Worth, has built a legacy of developing strong leaders.

Her program has produced stars like A’ja Wilson, Allisha Gray, Tyasha Harris, and Kamilla Cardoso—each playing vital roles in South Carolina’s championship runs.

Aliyah Boston, now a star with the Indiana Fever and the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, often credits Staley with shaping her into the confident leader she is today.

In a January appearance on the “In Case You Missed It” podcast, Boston spoke about Staley’s recent contract extension, which keeps her at South Carolina through 2030 and makes her the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in the country.

“First and foremost, it is so deserving for Coach Staley,” Boston said. “No one else deserves to have that type of recognition, because she is just so amazing.

I feel like I’ve said this so many times, that Coach Staley is like a second mom to me.”

Boston added, “It just goes to show the confidence that she instills in you from such a young age. Like, she is not waiting for senior year or junior year… You just have to be able to step into that role and embrace it.”

Staley’s ability to develop players into winners and leaders has remained a hallmark of her program—and Boston’s rapid rise in the WNBA is just the latest example of her impact.

Dawn Staley’s Book Becomes Bestseller as She Promises to Sign Every Copy for Fans

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley is scoring big off the court with the success of her new book, Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother and Life Lessons I Learned from All Three. Released in May, the memoir quickly climbed to New York Times bestseller status — and fans can’t wait to get their hands on a signed copy.

Despite being deep into recruiting season, Staley took to Instagram on Tuesday to reassure fans that she’s committed to signing every single book sent her way. In the post, she shared a photo of stacks of books waiting to be autographed, captioning it:

“What’s good my UNCOMMON FAVOR peeps?!! I’ve been out of the office for a few days recruiting but I promise I will sign your books and get them back to you. When I tell you I’ll sign every single book I mean it! Thank you for the love and support you’ve displayed. Love up!”

Staley, whose estimated net worth sits at $12 million (per Celebrity Net Worth), has been juggling her coaching duties, promotional appearances, and a nationwide book tour — including a recent stop in Indianapolis during the WNBA All-Star Weekend.

The book gives readers a deeper look into Staley’s personal journey, highlighting her upbringing in North Philadelphia, her decorated basketball career, and the values that shaped her into one of the most respected coaches in the game today.

Gamecocks Share Powerful Messages to Fans During Practice

During Monday’s practice, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team took a break from training to share uplifting and encouraging words with their fans — a heartfelt gesture led by Staley herself.

The team posted the video on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it:

“How ’bout a little Monday Motivation, FAMS…”

Players took turns offering inspiration:

“Never forget that you matter!” said junior guard Tessa Johnson.

“Give yourself grace, you never know what’s going to happen,” added Ta’Niya Latson.

Raven Johnson chimed in with: “Remember to stay focused and dedicated, cause this season is going to be all about that.”

Coach Staley closed the video with her own powerful words:

“I love our fans and I know and feel our fans love us. So if you’re not a fan and not us, stay out of our conversations. Love y’all.”

After falling to UConn in the national championship game last season, the Gamecocks are back and reenergized — ready to make another deep run, with their coach’s message of love and unity leading the way.

Aaliyah Chavez, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, has committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks, electrifying the sport on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

The announcement, made via social media, marks a monumental win for head coach Dawn Staley, cementing the Gamecocks’ status as a powerhouse destination for elite talent.

Chavez, a 5-foot-9 point guard from Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas, is a generational talent, renowned for her explosive scoring, court vision, and defensive tenacity.

As a junior, she averaged 37.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 steals per game, earning Gatorade Texas Player of the Year honors and a spot on the Naismith High School All-America first team.

Her commitment comes after a high-profile recruitment process, where she considered a final list that included Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Texas, UCLA, and LSU, among others.

Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and architect of South Carolina’s back-to-back national championships (2017, 2022), expressed her excitement: “Aaliyah is a game-changer with her skill set and leadership. She fits perfectly into our culture, and we can’t wait to see her thrive here.”

The addition of Chavez bolsters a roster that has already secured commitments from top prospects, ensuring the Gamecocks remain a title contender for years to come.

Chavez’s decision flips earlier speculation that favored Texas Tech, her hometown school, or Oklahoma, where she visited recently.

Reports suggest South Carolina’s winning tradition—highlighted by an undefeated 2023-2024 season—and Staley’s proven track record with point guards like Raven Johnson tipped the scales.

Her choice has sparked debate among fans, with some questioning whether the Gamecocks’ crowded backcourt will limit her early impact, while others see her as the heir apparent to lead the program.

The Lubbock native’s arrival adds to South Carolina’s legacy of developing stars like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, both national champions and WNBA standouts.

With her high school career still ongoing—she’s on pace to surpass 4,000 career points—Chavez will join the Gamecocks in 2025, bringing a spotlight that could elevate the program’s national profile even further.

As the basketball world digests this blockbuster move, all eyes turn to Columbia, where Chavez’s journey promises to reshape the future of the Gamecocks. Stay tuned for more updates on this historic commitment.

Back in 2016, when their matchups were gradually growing in fanbase, UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged his rival coach’s past. South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley was a successful women’s basketball player from high school, college, the WNBA and even at the national level representing Team USA.

With this, as the Gamecocks were slowly becoming a force in the college scene under the tutelage of Staley, Auriemma reflected on the hype she generated when she was still an up-and-coming player. Auriemma expounded on this during their Feb. 2016 interview with Mechelle Voepel of ESPN before their regular season game in that year.

“It’s like she was the original Mo’ne Davis. From the time Dawn was in seventh or eighth grade, that’s all anybody was talking about in girls’ basketball.

She had a reputation that preceded her when she got to Virginia [in 1988], and she was part of their greatest successes as a team. People remember Dawn as a great college player and a great player for USA Basketball,” Auriemma said.

“Not many of those players that do that go on to have great success as a coach. So for her to get her team to the level they are now, it’s pretty amazing. I’m very proud and thrilled I’ve gotten a chance to work with her a little bit,” he added.

Currently in 2025, Auriemma and the Huskies recently defeated Staley and the Gamecocks in this year’s NCAA championship game by 23 points, 82-59, to win their first national title in nine years since clinching in 2016. The Gamecocks were looking to snag back-to-back national championships with their 2024 one.

Geno Auriemma Was Reeling In One Of The First Of Many Matchups With Dawn Staley

Back in 2016, coach Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks were still seeking their first national championship as an up-and-coming program.

So, whenever they used to match up against Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies before then, it wouldn’t be as big of a spectacle as it is now.

But with the Gamecocks’ ascension, it quickly being a highly-anticipated matchup that Auriemma was all in on when it started to become big.

“It’s not even about winning and losing on Monday night, from a big-picture standpoint.

It’s more the actual game itself, the idea that the No. 1 and 2 teams in the country are playing, and I hope that at the end of the game we can look back and say, ‘That was a hell of a show,’” he shared during the interview with ESPN

The Huskies went on to win their Feb. 2016 matchup against the Gamecocks, 66-54, and bring home the 2016 NCAA title, which ended up becoming their last of their 2010’s four-peat and last before they won it again in 2025.

For South Carolina, the program won their first of three national championships since then next year in 2017.

The WNBA Faces a Crisis of Credibility Amid Mounting Officiating Controversy

What was billed as a milestone moment for the WNBA—an anticipated matchup between rookies Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers that drew more than 2.1 million viewers—has instead become a flashpoint for widespread criticism of the league’s officiating, player safety protocols, and leadership.

With unprecedented viewership, rising star power, and momentum on its side, the WNBA entered the 2025 season poised for a breakthrough. However, instead of capitalizing on this attention, the league now finds itself under intense scrutiny after a series of nationally televised games highlighted what many see as systemic failures in officiating and player protection.

A Showcase Marred by Inconsistency

The recent Clark–Bueckers matchup was expected to be a defining event in the WNBA’s narrative—a celebration of its most promising rookies and a testament to its growing popularity. Yet, the focus quickly shifted from on-court talent to what viewers, analysts, and players described as erratic and excessive physicality permitted by referees.

During the broadcast, ESPN commentators Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco openly expressed concern over the officiating. “There’s a hold. There’s another grab. There’s a grab. There’s a hold. Every possession,” Lobo observed. The commentary went viral, symbolizing growing frustration among players and fans alike.

At the center of the controversy is Caitlin Clark, the top overall pick and face of the league’s current growth. Clark has repeatedly endured physical, often unchecked contact during games—a sharp contrast from her collegiate career, where she never missed time due to injury. Now, just months into her rookie season, she has already been sidelined by injury.

An Escalating Pattern of Concern

Insiders have pointed to a culture shift within the WNBA, where physical play has not only been tolerated but in some cases encouraged. Rebecca Lobo has reported that certain coaches are instructing players to use physicality to disrupt opponents, knowing officials are unlikely to call fouls consistently.

Paige Bueckers herself recently remarked that she had to “relearn how to foul” in the WNBA, suggesting the league’s standard for contact is far more permissive than in previous levels of play. This sentiment, shared by multiple players, raises important questions about whether the rules are being applied consistently and safely.

The impact of this culture extends far beyond entertainment value. The league has reported over 140 injuries midway through the season—a startling figure given that there are just 179 active players on rosters. These statistics have become central to growing media criticism.

Media Backlash and Commissioner Response

Following Clark’s most recent game against the Connecticut Sun—another physical affair that ended with a visible argument between Clark and an official—the Washington Post published a blistering editorial titled, “The WNBA Should Change Its Logo to a Bruise.” The article directly criticized Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league for enabling reckless officiating and compromising player health.

In response, Engelbert downplayed the criticism, stating, “No winning team ever complains about officiating.” The remark has since been widely condemned as dismissive and out of touch, particularly as calls for reform grow louder from athletes, media, and fans.

A Pattern in High-Stakes Games

The 2024 WNBA Finals also featured controversial officiating that affected the outcome of the championship. A critical late-game call gave the New York Liberty an opportunity to force overtime, eventually resulting in a title win over the Minnesota Lynx. Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve spoke candidly postgame: “Be consistent. It’s not that hard.”

Incidents like this have eroded public trust in officiating integrity, especially when such calls directly impact playoff and championship outcomes.

Declining Viewership, Sponsor Hesitation

While the league enjoyed record-breaking ratings during the early season, recent data shows a sharp decline in viewership—particularly during games where Clark is absent. In some cases, audience numbers have dropped by as much as 50 percent, and arena attendance has also begun to wane.

This downturn raises concerns not only about fan retention but also about the WNBA’s upcoming media rights negotiations and expansion efforts. The league’s momentum is clearly at risk, and its handling of this crisis may shape its trajectory for years to come.

The NBA’s Role and a Call for Accountability

The WNBA operates in close partnership with the NBA, which has provided financial support and strategic infrastructure since the league’s inception. As the WNBA’s commercial viability becomes more closely tied to the star power of players like Clark, the NBA may face increased pressure to ensure that its investment is being properly stewarded.

Protecting star players is not a luxury; it is essential to the health of any professional league. For the WNBA to continue growing, officiating must be consistent, rules must be enforced, and leadership must listen to the concerns of its athletes and fans.

Conclusion

The WNBA stands at a pivotal moment. The current backlash is not rooted in negativity but in deep investment—from fans, players, media, and sponsors who believe in the league’s potential. However, that belief is contingent on a product that is fair, safe, and watchable.

If Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league officials do not address the ongoing issues with officiating and player safety, they risk undermining the very progress that stars like Caitlin Clark have helped generate.

The opportunity for reform is still within reach. But without swift and meaningful action, the league could forfeit not just public trust, but its future.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted for a specific outlet (e.g., The Athletic, Sports Illustrated, The Ringer), or adapted into a press release or op-ed.

WNBA EXPOSED On National TV — Cathy Engelbert CAN’T Escape This EMBARRASSMENT!

The WNBA had a golden opportunity: a prime-time showdown between college icons turned pros, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, with over 2.1 million viewers tuning in. This was supposed to be a historic moment for the league—a showcase of its rising stars and its growing mainstream appeal. But instead of a celebration, it became a spectacle for all the wrong reasons. What should have been the league’s crowning achievement turned into a national embarrassment—an officiating disaster that not only stole headlines, but lit a fire under the entire basketball world.

The Officiating Meltdown Everyone Saw Coming

The matchup delivered on talent—Clark and Bueckers played their part. But the story wasn’t about their scoring or athleticism. It was about the officiating, which veered from inconsistent to outright chaotic. Missed calls, phantom whistles, blatant holds, and uncalled hacks—viewers didn’t have to look hard to see it. In fact, national broadcasters called it out in real time.

ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo and play-by-play voice Ryan Ruocco didn’t mince words. Clip after clip was dissected live, showing defenders mauling Clark with impunity. At one point, Lobo noted, “There’s a hold. There’s another grab. There’s a grab. There’s a hold. Every possession.”

The officiating wasn’t just poor—it was indefensible.

Caitlin Clark: The Star Left Unprotected

Across the WNBA season, one of the loudest and most persistent criticisms has been the treatment of Caitlin Clark. Widely seen as the face of the league’s future, Clark has been subjected to an unusually high level of physical play—often without the whistle ever blowing. Her games have turned into crash courses in survival.

She’s been scratched, shoved, bumped, elbowed, and body-checked with alarming frequency. And it’s not just fans noticing. Coaches, players, and now broadcasters are speaking out. The problem is no longer speculation—it’s visible, documented, and undeniable.

Even fellow rookie Paige Bueckers admitted she had to relearn how to play defense while fouling more, essentially unlearning years of sound fundamentals because the WNBA’s officiating doesn’t enforce the rules as expected.

A League-Wide Culture Problem

According to insiders like Lobo, some coaches are now encouraging their players to play more physically, knowing the officials won’t intervene. This is an alarming development—it signals that the league’s rulebook is no longer the standard of play. When physicality becomes the go-to strategy, it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

And someone has.

Caitlin Clark has now missed multiple games due to injury—something that never happened during her legendary college career. This isn’t just bad luck. It’s the predictable result of a system that refuses to protect its stars.

The Media Turns Up the Heat

After another bruising game against the Connecticut Sun, things boiled over. A fiery exchange between Clark and a referee caught on camera had fans and commentators buzzing. But it was a Washington Post article that truly shook the league.

“The WNBA should change its logo to a bruise,” the piece opened, calling out both the officiating and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert by name. With over 140 injuries reported midseason—and only 179 active players in the league—the numbers are damning. The article accused the WNBA of failing to enforce the rules and of enabling a brand of basketball that is both dangerous and unwatchable.

The commissioner’s public response? “No winning team ever complains about officiating.”

That sound bite might go down as one of the most tone-deaf moments in recent sports history. Fans weren’t just frustrated—they were furious.

The Finals Debacle and Loss of Trust

This isn’t just about one player or one game. The 2024 WNBA Finals were also marred by controversial officiating. A game-changing call late in Game 5 allowed the New York Liberty to force overtime against the Minnesota Lynx, ultimately snatching the title. Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back: “This was stolen from us. Be consistent. It’s not that hard.”

If the league’s own championship can be tainted by questionable calls, where does that leave fan trust?

Consequences Are Already Showing

Without Clark, viewership has plummeted—some broadcasts saw a 50% dip. Arenas that were full weeks ago now echo with empty seats. The All-Star Game, heavily promoted around Clark, lost its momentum entirely when she couldn’t participate due to injury. TV networks and sponsors are beginning to question the WNBA’s direction.

And with expansion and media rights deals on the horizon, this could not come at a worse time.

NBA’s Investment, NBA’s Leverage

Let’s be clear: the WNBA doesn’t operate in a vacuum. The NBA has invested hundreds of millions into the league over the years, hoping for a breakthrough. Caitlin Clark was that breakthrough. But with her sidelined and league credibility tanking, Adam Silver and NBA ownership have every reason to step in. The return on investment is on the line—and they’re watching.

A League at a Crossroads

So what now?

Fans, players, and media aren’t asking for special treatment. They’re asking for basic, consistent enforcement of the rules—something every professional sport owes its athletes. They’re asking for a league that doesn’t let physical recklessness go unchecked. And most of all, they’re asking for leadership.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert now faces the biggest crisis of her tenure. Will she continue to downplay the issue, or will she act before the league’s most valuable asset walks away?

Final Thought: It’s Not Too Late—Yet

The solution isn’t complicated. Bring in better officiating standards. Align more closely with NBA protocols. Protect the players. Let talent—not tolerance for pain—determine the outcome of games.

Because right now, if Caitlin Clark’s absence continues and fans keep tuning out, the WNBA could lose more than just momentum. It could lose the very future it’s trying to build.

And that’s a legacy no commissioner wants to leave behind.

Team Clark guard Caitlin Clark (Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
Caitlin Clark’s latest injury hurt the WNBA in more ways than one.

Clark did not compete in any of the on-court events in Indianapolis due to her latest injury, which she suffered in the waning seconds of the Fever’s July 15 win over Connecticut.

Clark missed Indiana’s final game before the All-Star break with an injured right groin and pulled out of Friday night’s 3-point contest as well as Saturday’s All-Star Game.

The Caitlin Clark effect was certainly real for the WNBA as the ratings came out following the WNBA All-Star Game over the weekend.

Without Clark in action, the game saw a massive dip in viewership as compared to 2024.

According to ESPN PR, Saturday night’s game’s average of 2.2 million viewers was up 158% compared to the 2023 edition. It was the second-most-watched WNBA All-Star Game in history.Numbers are up, but not as good as when Clark is the main attraction.

“Caitlin Clark effect manifests itself in 2 ways: Anything with Clark, then without, drops hard. NCAA title game -54%. Draft -49%. All-Star -36%. Regular-season -50% during her time out (but still up for 2025),” Karp wrote on Twitter/X. “Numbers even without Caitlin are well above years before her arrival.”

Last season, there were 3.44 million viewers for the WNBA All-Star Game. This past weekend, it dipped 36% down to 2.19 million viewers, first reported by Front Office Sports.

When Will Caitlin Clark Get Back On The Court?

Caitlin Clark (David Butler II-Imagn Images)
The WNBA tips off the second half of its season on Tuesday night.

One player who won’t be competing for the immediate future is Caitlin Clark, who is recovering from a right groin injury she suffered last week.

Clark told reporters on Saturday night that she had been getting treatment.

Indiana coach Stephanie White said the Fever intend to be cautious with Clark, who missed 10 games during the first half of the season with three different muscle injuries.

A financial revolution may be on the horizon in women’s basketball.

In what is shaping up to be the most pivotal labor negotiation in WNBA history, players are making bold demands that could reshape the economic landscape of the league. Among the most eye-catching proposals are a $1 million minimum salary for top-tier players, a 50/50 revenue split, major expansions in maternity and health benefits, charter flights for all games, and performance-based bonuses tied to jersey sales, social media engagement, and viewership.

The push comes amid a growing wave of player empowerment, rising media attention, and calls for gender equity in professional sports. While the average WNBA salary currently hovers around $102,249, with rookie deals as low as $64,000, NBA players are pulling in an average of over $11.9 million per season — a gap many stars believe is no longer justifiable.

Leading the charge is rising WNBA superstar Angel Reese, whose crossover appeal has exploded since joining the league. With millions of followers and one of the highest jersey sales in the league, Reese is using her platform to speak plainly.

“At this point we should be making NBA money,” Reese said. “We’re not just hooping — we’re building a brand, driving ratings, and carrying the league. It’s time the paycheck reflects that.”

She’s not alone. Fellow stars Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner, and A’ja Wilson are reportedly involved in negotiations, aligning under the WNBPA’s unified call for transformational change.

One player agent involved in the talks said this CBA is about more than numbers.

“It’s about dignity. It’s about professional standards. These women aren’t asking for charity — they’re demanding a model that reflects the value they bring.”

According to multiple sources, the WNBA Players’ Association has formally submitted a package of demands in the ongoing CBA negotiations. These include significantly increased minimum salaries for top-tier athletes, a revenue-sharing model that puts players on equal footing with the league, full charter flights for the entire season, expanded benefits around family planning and health, and bonuses based on player-driven metrics like jersey sales and social reach.

These demands are a massive leap from current standards, and they’ve sparked heated debate among league executives, analysts, and fans. While some see them as unrealistic given the WNBA’s reported financial losses — the league is believed to be operating roughly $400 million in debt — others argue that the league has underinvested in its players for far too long.

“They’ve been milking our talent for decades now. It’s time to pay up,” said Brittney Griner. “The NBA didn’t get built overnight — but they sure didn’t do it on minimum wage.”

Sources close to the WNBPA suggest that multiple top players are prepared to sit out the 2025–2026 season if major changes aren’t implemented. With a sharp rise in fan engagement — thanks to stars like Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Sabrina Ionescu — the league is under mounting pressure to act.

Fan support appears to be on the players’ side. Social media is ablaze with hashtags like #PayThem, #EqualPayNow, and #1MillionMinimum, as fans echo the belief that WNBA stars have earned more than just applause.

Sponsors are watching, too. Brands that have leaned into women’s sports — such as Nike, Gatorade, and Google — are increasingly expected to take a stance.

The WNBA finds itself at a critical turning point. It can either invest in its players and accelerate the league’s growth — or risk a player-driven shutdown that could stall its recent momentum.

This isn’t just about dollars. It’s about recognition. It’s about sustainability. And it’s about time.

As one fan posted after the All-Star Game:
“If you can’t afford to pay your stars what they’re worth, maybe you can’t afford to run a league.”

The players have made their move. The ball is now in the league’s court.

Caitlin Clark (Photo via Twitter)
On Wednesday, the Indiana Fever launched a new uniform inspired by Netflix’s Stranger Things.

The limited-edition jersey reimagines the Fever’s classic look with a dark, retro twist featuring eerie red and black hues.

The team is bringing back its “Stranger Things”-themed jerseys for the second half of the season in anticipation of the final season of the Netflix show, which will be released later this year and is set in fictional Hawkins, Indiana.

The jerseys, which quickly became fan favorites when they were first released in 2021, are black with red speckles on the jerseys and shorts.

Fever is written in the “Stranger Things” font on the front.

“This jersey represents the fierce spirit of our team and the fearless energy of ‘Stranger Things’ — two forces that never back down,” Fever COO and GM Amber Cox said in a statement.

“As we celebrate our team and the cultural phenomenon that is ‘Stranger Things’, we’re thrilled to bring back this awesome collaboration with Netflix.”

How Fans Reacted To The Indiana Fever Jerseys

Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) talks to guard Lexie Hull (left) and forward Aliyah Boston (7) during the third quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
“So happy 😍😍😍 fever and stranger things nothin better than that,” one fan said.

“This season is like a Stranger Things episode,” a second person said of the 2025 season.

“Take my money these are 😮‍💨🔥🔥🔥 but I still mad at the FO for being slow on their moves. Not sure if yall can count, we have 10 players on our roster (the 11th which is a damn travesty with this Stranger Things rollout, is a DNP.),” a third person wrote.

“I’d say the way things are going, the upside down is winning. Time for a change. Whatever they are doing isn’t working, “a fourth person commented about the team.

Sophie Cunningham (Photo via TikTok)
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham was issued a fine for calling out the WNBA referees in a viral TikTok video.

Sophie Cunningham has emerged as a fan favorite in her first season with Indiana, thanks to her new role as Caitlin Clark’s enforcer. Cunningham left her mark in the June 17 game against the Connecticut Sun, where she went after Jacy Sheldon minutes after the latter poked Clark in the eye.

The scuffle led to ejections for Cunningham, Sheldon and Lindsay Allen, though none of the players were suspended. Cunningham was fined $400 for her actions.

Fast forward a month, and Sophie Cunningham has now been issued a second fine for calling out the officials in a TikTok video. Cunningham announced in an X/Twitter post that the said TikTok video led to a $500 fine from the league office.

Cunningham was lip-syncing a line from Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song, “Manchild.” Cunningham used the caption “@ some refs” with the lyric “Stupid Or is it slow? Maybe it’s useless?” playing:

After the incident with Sheldon and the Sun, Sophie Cunningham revealed that she landed an endorsement deal with Ring, a home security company. $900 in fines isn’t pocket change, but we’re sure Cunningham isn’t too worried about fines for sticking to her style of play as an outspoken enforcer.

Sophie Cunningham & Fever Are In A Tight Playoff Race

Sophie Cunningham (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)
The Fever are 12-12 through their first 24 games this season, holding down the seventh playoff spot. They’re half a game up on the eighth-seeded Washington Mystics, but only one up on the Golden State Valkyries, who are the top team outside the playoff picture.

Indiana will try to snap a two-game losing skid when they host the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday evening.