Sophie Cunningham is rapidly gaining popularity in the WNBA following her recent acquisition by the Indiana Fever from the Phoenix Mercury in a multi-team trade ahead of the upcoming 2025 season. The guard has already captivated fans in Indiana, amassing over one million followers on TikTok, and her Fever jersey is now sold out online.
Cunningham made headlines during a game against the Connecticut Sun when she responded to a hard foul on teammate Caitlin Clark, leading to a confrontation on the court that even spilled into the stands. This aggressive play, however, drew criticism from Sun head coach Rachid Meziane, who labeled it as “stupid” and “disrespectful,” especially given the Fever’s solid lead in the game.
Despite drawing some ire in Connecticut, Cunningham’s appeal continues to grow, evidenced by a viral photo of her shared by a Fever fan on social media, which garnered over five million views within a day. This surge in popularity positions her as a key figure alongside Caitlin Clark within the Fever fanbase.
As Cunningham prepares for an important matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, she is currently averaging 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, proving to be a valuable asset off the bench for her team.
The momentum surrounding Cunningham reflects a growing enthusiasm for the WNBA, showcasing the league’s ability to foster star athletes and connect them with a passionate fanbase. Fans are hopeful that she will continue to build on this positive trend in the coming games.