In what might be one of the most entertaining and bizarre moments of the WNBA season, Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham was fined $500 by the league for a TikTok video poking fun at officiating—just as Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, a.k.a. the “StudBudz,” sparked laughs across social media by calling on “President Caitlin Clark” during a light-hearted live stream.

While the fine may seem minor by professional sports standards, it has ignited a broader conversation about the league’s priorities, officiating standards, and the new age of athlete-driven content.

The TikTok That Cost $500

Sophie Cunningham, known as much for her grit on the court as her humor off of it, found herself on the receiving end of a WNBA fine after posting a satirical TikTok in which she used a sound clip mocking referees as “stupid, slow, and useless.” The video quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions: fans laughed, players related, and league officials frowned.

Cunningham confirmed the fine herself in a follow-up post, stating:

“I got fined $500 for this TikTok. I don’t know why this is funny to me. Like, okay, you got it, bud. Because there’s not more important things to be worried about with our league right now.”

That final remark hit a nerve. Many in the WNBA community agree that the league has more pressing issues—such as collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations and player safety—than policing humorous content online.

Izzy from FlyFamTV, who covered the incident in detail, noted:

“They actually took time to find her TikTok and say, ‘We’re gonna fine you $500 for that.’ That’s crazy. The refs are human, sure, but the mistakes and missed calls are stacking up. The consistency is off.”

This isn’t an isolated complaint. In one instance, Cunningham was elbowed in the back of the head during a game, and the referee—looking directly at the play—did nothing. Such incidents fuel frustration, and Cunningham’s video resonated with a larger player base that feels ignored or unprotected.

Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman & “President Caitlin Clark”

While Cunningham was getting fined, her fellow WNBA stars Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman were lighting up the internet in a different way.

During a viral All-Star weekend livestream, the charismatic duo—nicknamed the “StudBudz”—joked that when they faced trouble or unwanted attention, they’d call in reinforcements: “President Caitlin Clark.”

“All these people was heckling me… so you had to call in the president. Calling the president! Where is Caitlin Clark?” Williams joked in the stream.

The moment, which took place in a casual bar setting, had fans in stitches. The duo jokingly claimed they could sit next to Clark anytime and that her presence could “reopen the bar” if needed. The tongue-in-cheek call for “President Clark” instantly became a meme, with fans applauding the chemistry and spontaneity of the live stream.

Beyond the laughs, it revealed a powerful truth: Caitlin Clark’s presence in the league has elevated the WNBA’s popularity and visibility to new heights. Her star power is such that she’s now being invoked as a fictional president—symbolic of her growing influence both on and off the court.

Athlete-Driven Content: A Double-Edged Sword?

This week’s viral moments highlight a changing media landscape. Athletes are no longer just performers on the court—they’re content creators, influencers, and voices for their communities. Cunningham’s TikTok, while satirical, reflected deeper frustrations shared by many. The StudBudz stream showed how players can entertain, promote the league, and build their personal brands without relying on traditional media.

Some fans criticized the league for appearing too sensitive in fining Cunningham, arguing it stifles personality and free expression in a time when fan engagement is driven by authenticity. Others felt the fine, however minor, sent a clear message about professionalism and respect for officials.

Still, as one fan put it:

“Is this how the league plans to make money? Fining players over jokes? They’ve got bigger issues to deal with.”

Another chimed in:

“Can I pay the fine for her—and then prepay the next one so she can do it again? Honestly, it’s good marketing.”

Balancing Discipline and Culture

As the WNBA rides a wave of unprecedented visibility thanks to players like Clark, Angel Reese, and others, it now faces the challenge of balancing discipline with cultural growth. Cunningham’s fine may have been technically justified, but the surrounding discourse shows fans and players alike are hungry for more transparency, consistency, and—frankly—fun.

Whether it’s Cunningham’s rebellious humor or the StudBudz’ carefree comedy, one thing is clear: the players are becoming the league’s best marketers.

And maybe, just maybe, the WNBA should listen before it fines.