Key Takeaways
- Sophie Cunningham became a superstar through one viral WNBA moment defending Caitlin Clark in June 2025
- The Indiana Fever guard landed major sponsorship deals including Ring, Arby’s, and her own podcast after her popularity exploded
- Cunningham is now an unrestricted free agent seeking a bigger contract to buy a house and advance her career
- A recent MCL knee injury shortened her 2025 season to just 30 games, raising questions about her future
- Contract negotiations could prove tricky as the Fever prioritize Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston’s deals
The Moment That Changed Everything
Sophie Cunningham had been a solid WNBA player for six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. Then, in June 2025, everything shifted in seconds. During a game, she wrapped her arms around an opposing player to protect her teammate Caitlin Clark. The result? She got kicked out of the game—and became an instant celebrity.
Within days, her social media followers skyrocketed from a few hundred thousand to over 1 million on Instagram and TikTok. People loved what they saw: a player who stood up for her friends, no matter the cost.
“I didn’t do that for clickbait,” Cunningham explained. “I stand up for my teammates.” She noted that parents were even using the moment to teach their children about loyalty.
Brand Deals and Beyond Basketball
The Indiana Fever guard’s viral fame opened unexpected doors. Within two weeks, she signed a sponsorship deal with Ring, the home security company. The company’s executive explained: “She’s known as kind of this protector.”
By late 2025, Cunningham had landed deals with Arby’s, Ring, and Spindrift. She also launched her podcast, “Show Me Something,” with friend West Wilson from the Bravo show “Summer House.”
According to experts, her brand earnings now dwarf her WNBA salary of $100,000 yearly.
The Injury Setback and Recovery Push
The momentum hit a speed bump in August 2025. Cunningham tore her right MCL (a knee ligament) during a game, requiring surgery. Her season ended after just 30 games, though she posted solid numbers: 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and a career-best 43.2% shooting from three-point range.
By November 2025, she posted encouraging updates showing she’d begun running on a treadmill, signaling recovery progress. Despite the injury, she canceled plans to run the Honolulu Marathon but said she’d join in 2026.
The Contract Question: Will Fever Resign Her?
Heading into the 2026 season, Sophie Cunningham faces a critical decision: as an unrestricted free agent, she can explore other teams or re-sign with Indiana.
She’s been clear about her goals: “The next team I play for, I want a bigger contract so I can buy a house, be homey and cozy,” she said on her podcast.
Will Indiana Match Her Asking Price?
The math is tricky for the Indiana Fever. Here’s why:
| Priority | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| First | Caitlin Clark | Rookie deal, set to expire 2027 |
| Second | Aliyah Boston | Due for renewal soon |
| Third | Kelsey Mitchell | Supermax contract coming |
| Uncertain | Sophie Cunningham | Seeking long-term, bigger deal |
Basketball analyst Robin Lundberg explained the situation: “Her celebrity probably exceeds her slot on a roster. She’s an upper-level role player as a basketball player, but a superstar in branding.”
The Fever are already one of the league’s most popular teams. With Clark as their star player and strong attendance, do they need to pay premium dollars to keep Cunningham?
Looking Beyond Basketball
Sophie Cunningham isn’t waiting to see what happens. She recently appeared on “Good Morning America” as an Arby’s ambassador, which sparked her imagination about hosting national television. Fans on social media called her a “natural” at the news desk.
She also continues speaking out about WNBA leadership issues, criticizing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on multiple podcast episodes for poor league management.
What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?
As recovery continues, Sophie Cunningham’s WNBA future remains uncertain. The Indiana Fever must decide: pay her more, or let her explore other offers? Meanwhile, Cunningham is building a media brand that might outlast her basketball career.
One thing is clear—the 28-year-old has proven she’s more than just a WNBA player. She’s a personality, an advocate, and a businesswoman reshaping what it means to be a modern women’s basketball star.
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