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Early signs suggest Sophie Cunningham's stardom is about to explode

Fever fans support Sophie Cunningham

By Joey Mistretta

Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in the second half against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Sophie Cunningham has become a controversial player in the WNBA. Many Indiana Fever fans are referring to her as an "enforcer" who stands up for Caitlin Clark, as she committed a hard foul on Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon in Tuesday's win after Sheldon and Clark had a heated incident earlier in the game. Other WNBA fans, however, have called Cunningham a "dirty player." Despite her reputation receiving mixed reviews, Cunningham's popularity is increasing to say the least.

In fact, Cunningham's jersey is currently sold out, according to Rachel A DeMita. DeMita shared the news on Wednesday morning. It is clear that Cunningham is becoming a favorite among Fever fans and Clark supporters in general.

What Sophie Cunningham offers the Fever

Indiana acquired the 28-year-old in a trade during the offseason. Cunningham spent the first six seasons of her career in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury. In Phoenix, Cunningham established a reputation as someone who played hard and never gave up. Some fans, though, were already calling her a "dirty player" before she even joined the Fever. Others were impressed by her tenacity and appreciated the way she played the game.

Cunningham holds her own on the defensive end of the floor while offering enough offensive prowess to make an impact. She usually won't lead the team in scoring or anything like that, but Cunningham can contribute offensively. So far in 2025, the Fever guard is averaging 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per outing. Additionally, Cunningham is shooting 37 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Fever emerging as a true contender

The Fever hold a 6-5 record. Indiana is in third place in the Eastern Conference as a result, trailing the Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty. After reaching the playoffs a season ago, Indiana looks like a contender once again. The Fever feature the potential to make it past the first round this year, however.

Following their 88-71 win over the Sun on Tuesday, Indiana will attempt to remain in the win column on Thursday night against the Golden State Valkyries. The contest represents the first of a three-game road trip. Indiana will travel to Las Vegas to play the Aces on Sunday before ending the road trip in Seattle against the Storm on Tuesday.

As for Sophie Cunningham, fans will want to play close attention to the league's final decision on a potential punishment for her actions in Tuesday's victory.

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