"Go out there & kick a**" - Sophie Cunningham Presses Chiefs for Bold Roster Changes to Boost Patrick Mahomes’ Prime Following Playoffs Exit

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham reacted after the Kansas City Chiefs saw their playoff hopes dashed in a 16-13 loss to the LA Chargers on Sunday, a game that also saw quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffer a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee.

During Tuesday’s episode of the “Show Me Something” podcast, Cunningham called the Chiefs’ season unfortunate but pointed to a positive takeaway, noting that other players now have an opportunity to step up and put their abilities on display.

“I do think that this is just a year,” she said. “And I think that sometimes you need these years to be re-motivated (light) a fire under your butt.

“I want us to finish the season with no more injuries. Like, I want other players to go out there and kick ass, and maybe some of them will get an extended contract. Like, there’s so much more positives that can come from the season with opportunities for other players.”

Despite the difficult year, Cunningham said she does not believe the Chiefs’ dynasty is “not over yet” and expressed confidence that the team will rebound next season, though she added that she hopes to see roster upgrades.

“I am curious to see what’s going to happen, because I do think that it’s time to start stacking people up around Mahomes, because you do not want to lose out on this freaking human who is phenomenal.”

The Chiefs have appeared in five Super Bowls over the last six seasons, capturing three championships during that stretch.

What’s next for Sophie Cunningham?

Last month, Front Office Sports reported that Sophie Cunningham is joining the “Project B” basketball league, which offers compensation that exceeds both the WNBA and Unrivaled, along with equity opportunities for participating players.

However, her future in the WNBA remains uncertain, not only because of questions surrounding the 2026 season amid stalled collective bargaining agreement negotiations, but also due to the upcoming expansion draft tied to the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.

ESPN’s Kevin Pelton projected that the Fever would protect Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell and Makayla Timpson in the expansion draft, a scenario that could leave Cunningham vulnerable to selection by an expansion franchise that might designate her as a core player.

Sophie Cunningham previously acknowledged this offseason that the Fever are focused on keeping their core group together, though she noted that outside financial offers could complicate that goal. If the league moves forward, she emphasized that staying healthy will be critical.