Sophie Cunningham snubbed in WNBA award voting as ‘record-setting’ star wins

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has just missed out on a WNBA end-of-season award. Cunningham was in the running for the Sixth Woman of the Year award after an impressive 2026 campaign.

Cunningham averaged just 7.9 points per game this season, but with excellent efficiency. She shot 46 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range, narrowly missing out on career highs in both categories.

However, Cunningham missed out on the Sixth Woman of the Year award to Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun. Salaun had a strong case for the award after setting numerous WNBA records.

Even though the Indiana Fever put Sophie Cunningham forward for the Sixth Woman of the Year award, Janelle Salaun was a deserved winner. Salaun averaged 12.7 points and four rebounds per game for the Golden State Valkyries.

The Frenchwoman had a strong case for the award after breaking several WNBA records. She scored the most points by a bench player in a single season (509) and set the record for three-pointers per game (2.3) and total three-pointers made (93). She also recorded the most double-digit scoring games (27) in WNBA history.

Her impact: Undeniable. Her season: Record-setting.

The press have spoken, Janelle Salaün is your AP Sixth Woman of the Year. ⚔️

The Valkyries posted the following message to congratulate Salaun: “Her impact: Undeniable. Her season: Record-setting. The press have spoken, Janelle Salaun is your AP Sixth Woman of the Year.” Even Cunningham would probably admit that Salaun deserved to win the award.

Salaun also had winning on her side, with the Valkyries finishing as the No. 2 seed with a 32-12 record, while the Fever finished sixth at 28-16. The two teams could meet in the playoff semifinals if they both win their opening-round series.