Sophie Cunningham Criticizes Kelsey Plum Over “Team Clark” Joke: “This Isn’t a Game to Us”

The aftermath of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game continues to ripple through the league, as Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly called out fellow WNBA player Kelsey Plum over a controversial joke that Cunningham says undermines the seriousness of the league’s fight for equity.

During a post-game press conference following the All-Star Game, Kelsey Plum made a joking remark that “no one from Team Clark showed up” to the meeting about the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts—a unified player statement on pay equity and respect for women athletes. While Plum later apologized and said her comment was meant in jest, Cunningham didn’t find it funny.

“This isn’t a game to us,” Cunningham told reporters after a recent Fever practice. “Those shirts weren’t just for show. They were a message. And when someone tries to turn that into a joke, even if they didn’t mean harm, it distracts from the fight we’re in.”

Cunningham, who has become increasingly vocal on social justice and player rights issues this season, expressed concern that humor—especially when directed at a teammate or another All-Star like Caitlin Clark—can fracture the unity the league has worked hard to build.

“We’ve spent years trying to get the world to take us seriously,” she continued. “We finally have a platform, thanks to everyone—from vets to rookies—and we can’t afford to make light of the movement we’re building.”

Cunningham’s comments have reignited online debates about tone and accountability among athletes, especially in high-profile moments like All-Star Weekend. While many fans appreciated Plum’s apology, others—like Cunningham—argue that the impact of such remarks lingers beyond a press conference.

Notably, Cunningham and Clark were among the most active players during the All-Star weekend in promoting the message behind the “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts. Sources close to the Fever said the team had discussed how best to support the message both publicly and behind the scenes, including through planned social media engagement and coordinated media responses.

Plum’s joke, though seemingly off-the-cuff, sparked concern within the Fever locker room. Cunningham said she hoped the moment would lead to “stronger internal conversations” and a renewed commitment to unity across teams.

“We’re all passionate, we’re all human, and sometimes we miss,” she said. “But when that happens, it’s okay to call each other in—not just out.”

Neither Kelsey Plum nor Caitlin Clark has responded directly to Cunningham’s comments, but WNBA fans have praised the maturity and clarity of Cunningham’s words, calling her a “true leader” in the ongoing battle for equity.

As the season enters its final stretch, the league finds itself at a crossroads: celebrated more than ever, but under pressure to turn visibility into lasting progress. Cunningham’s call for focus may be just what the league needs right now.