Sophie Cunningham: Is Leaving the Fever | Dating | Stats | National Anthem

Sophie Cunningham has steadily risen through the ranks of women’s basketball to become one of the most talked-about WNBA players of her generation. From her early days at the University of Missouri to her breakout role with the Phoenix Mercury and her subsequent move to the Indiana Fever, fans are eager to understand every part of her life — on and off the court. In this comprehensive profile, we explore her career stats, her status with the Fever, insights into her dating preferences, and the social and emotional stories tied to the national anthem.

1. Early Life and Rise to the WNBA

Born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham showed athletic promise from a young age. She excelled in basketball through high school and secured a scholarship to play for the Missouri Tigers, where she steadily improved her game and became a standout scorer and leader, earning accolades such as SEC Freshman of the Year and multiple All-SEC selections. 

Drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Cunningham embodied grit and sharpshooting skill — traits that helped her carve out a role at the professional level. 

2. WNBA Career: Phoenix to Indiana Fever

Phoenix Mercury (2019–2024)

Cunningham spent the first six years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, where she steadily increased her role and scoring output. During those seasons, her three-point shooting and free-throw reliability made her a valuable rotation piece. 

Trade to Indiana Fever (2025)

On January 31, 2025, Sophie Cunningham was traded to the Indiana Fever in a four-team deal that marked a career turning point. With the Fever, her role expanded as she became known as a vocal leader, enforcer, and defensive presence willing to defend her teammates, notably standing up for star rookie Caitlin Clark during a heated on-court incident. 

However, her 2025 season was cut short due to a right knee MCL tear in August, ruling her out for the rest of the year. At the time of her injury, she was averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game — solid numbers for a versatile guard. 

3. Performance & Stats Breakdown

Analyzing Sophie Cunningham’s statistical impact provides insight into her growth and effectiveness in the WNBA:

2025 Season Averages (Indiana Fever)

• Points per game: 8.6

• Rebounds per game: 3.5

• Assists per game: 1.2

• Steals: 1.0 per game
  These figures reflect her role as a contributor on both ends of the court — scoring, rebounding, facilitating, and defending.

Career Progression

Across various seasons with Phoenix and Indiana, Cunningham improved her shooting efficiency and clutch contributions. Her free-throw and three-point shooting percentages have consistently ranked among the more reliable marks among WNBA wing players. 

4. Is Sophie Cunningham Leaving the Fever?

There is no verified report that Sophie Cunningham is leaving the Indiana Fever as of the most recent season. Despite her injury setback, she remains under contract and still widely expected to return when healthy. Her role in Indiana — especially as a veteran presence alongside younger stars — makes her a key part of their future plans. 

However, her time with the Fever has been eventful: she has drawn both praise and criticism for her outspoken nature, including multiple fines from the league for comments about officiating and on her podcast. 

5. Personal Life & Dating — What We Know

Cunningham keeps her personal life relatively private compared to her athletic persona, but she has shared insights into her dating preferences in media appearances. In a conversation on her own “Show Me Something” podcast, Sophie revealed that she prefers partners who are traditionally masculine and not overly focused on cosmetic enhancements — citing this preference when asked about hypothetical pairings with other celebrities. 

This glimpse into her personal preferences resonates with her direct, confident public personality, although she hasn’t publicly confirmed any long-term relationship. As with many high-profile athletes, fans remain curious about Cunningham’s life off the court, which she continues to balance between public appearances, social media, and her podcast.

6. Sophie Cunningham & the National Anthem

While there are social media posts and video clips circulating online of Sophie Cunningham performing or being featured in national anthem moments, there’s no authoritative coverage from major news sources confirming a formal controversy, protest stance, or official anthem performance. Some online fan posts portray emotional or patriotic responses tied to anthem clips, but these are not verified by mainstream reporting. 

The national anthem, especially in U.S. sports, has been a focus of athlete expression and protest historically — from NFL protests like Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling era to other high-profile gestures. However, Cunningham herself hasn’t been credibly documented taking a public political stance regarding anthem conduct. 

7. Off-Court Activities & Media Presence

Beyond basketball, Sophie Cunningham has expanded her profile through:

• Podcasting: Hosting “Show Me Something,” where she discusses basketball and pop culture.

• Brand Collaborations: Partnering with national brands, such as a notable collaboration with Arby’s that garnered significant fan interaction. 

• Social Media: Building a strong online following with entertaining and personal posts.

Her media presence has contributed to her popularity and spotlighted her personality beyond her on-court performances.

8. The Impact of Publicity & Controversy

Part of Sophie Cunningham’s public narrative this season has involved multiple fines from the WNBA over social media posts and podcast comments perceived as critical of officiating. These fines — including a second and third punishment related to statements about referee inconsistency and player treatment — have made her one of the more polarizing voices in the league. 

While league discipline may discourage outspoken behavior, Cunningham’s candor resonates with some fans who appreciate her bold perspective and willingness to speak candidly about basketball issues.

9. What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?

Looking forward:

• Recovery: Her priority remains rehabilitating from a season-ending MCL injury and returning to full strength.

• Team Role: With her experience and leadership, she is expected to be a cornerstone for the Fever as they aim for postseason success.

• Media Growth: Her podcast and brand collaborations offer new avenues for engagement and influence outside traditional basketball coverage.

Her combined athletic ability and vibrant personality mean Sophie Cunningham will continue to be a notable figure in the WNBA landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Sophie Cunningham still play for the Indiana Fever?
Yes. She was traded to the Fever in 2025 and continues to be part of the team; there’s no official information confirming she is leaving. 

What are Sophie Cunningham’s career stats?
In the 2025 season with the Fever, she averaged around 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game before her knee injury. 

 Is Sophie Cunningham dating anyone?
Cunningham has not publicly confirmed any serious relationships; she has shared personal preferences about dating on her podcast. 

Has Sophie Cunningham protested the national anthem?
There are online clips and social posts referencing her in anthem contexts, but no verified report confirms she took a political protest stance or official anthem action. 

Why has Sophie Cunningham been fined by the WNBA?
She has been fined multiple times for publicly criticizing officiating and related remarks during social media use and on her podcast.