Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked some interest during her recent interview on Sunday Conversation with Caleb Presley. Their discussion took a turn when they talked about her free agent status and WNBA salary. When asked if she was still earning as a free agent, Cunningham replied, “Just barely, but still alive.” Presley then questioned if she had a backup plan if things didn’t work out in the WNBA, to which she cleverly responded, “It’s not Plan B. It’s Project B.”
Project B is a concept by former Facebook and Google executive Grady Burnette and Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice. They aim to create Formula 1-style competitions across various sports, starting with women’s basketball. This new league consists of six teams with 11 players each, competing in seven two-week tournaments held across Europe, Asia, and South America, playing traditional 5-on-5 basketball. The pay is expected to be much higher than the WNBA, which has already attracted interest from stars like Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Jewell Lloyd, and Jonquel Jones. Since Cunningham is a free agent with uncertain pay in this league, a switch wouldn’t be surprising. But the conversation didn’t stop there—Presley asked if she needed the league to make money or if she could earn more through platforms like OnlyFans.
Cunningham emphasized, “No, I think we need a league because it gives us a platform to get so many fans.” Presley argued that OnlyFans is a platform too, and Cunningham intriguingly said, “Maybe Plan B should support that platform.” This sparked speculation among fans about Cunningham possibly joining an online subscription service. Notably, top earner Sophie Laine claimed she might soon out-earn NBA star LeBron James with her 2024 salary.
Cunningham is one of the WNBA’s most popular and attractive players. After six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury as a solid role player, she skyrocketed to fame in 2025 with the Indiana Fever, especially after teaming up with Caitlin Clark. Sports commentator Skip Bayless highlighted her transformation into the league’s “It Girl,” crediting her quick bond with Clark and her role as Clark’s defender and spokesperson, which endeared her to millions of fans worldwide. Bayless also noted her bold fashion choices and growing popularity, now boasting 1.3 million Instagram followers. Given her rise, Cunningham is poised to gain fame off the court as well. While she hinted at alternate income options, it seems more a commentary on the challenges of WNBA salaries than a definite career shift.
This article was initially published by Basketball Network on December 23, 2025, in the WNBA section.
Fan Take: This news highlights the ongoing challenges WNBA players face with pay and career stability, underscoring the need for better financial support and new opportunities in women’s basketball. Sophie Cunningham’s openness about alternative income streams could spark important conversations about player compensation and the future growth of the sport.
