Sophie Cunningham has been a lightning rod for controversy and drama this WNBA season.
The Indiana Fever guard isn’t afraid to mix it up on her podcast, on the court, or through the media. Cunningham is a free agent this offseason, and her future remains uncertain.
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Here are the two questions WNBA teams will have to ask when considering signing the controversial player.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham rips A’ja Wilson, doubles down on criticism
Is the drama and controversy worth it?
WNBA: Indiana Fever at Atlanta Dream
Aug 16, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Will this be worth it? That’s what WNBA owners, general managers, and coaches will be asking themselves if their squad wants to sign the 30-year-old. You’ll get more media attention, but you’ll also be forced to answer a ton of non-basketball questions.
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Fever GM Amber Cox said at her end-of-season presser that Cunningham’s off-court comments won’t affect whether or not Indiana wants to re-sign her.
Amber Cox says Sophie Cunningham’s off-court comments will have no bearing on whether the Fever try to re-sign her. Says she’s had a productive two years for the Fever, and they’ll be in conversations with her team about keeping her here. @WISHNews8 | @wrtv
— Angela Moryan (@AngelaMoryanTV) October 3, 2026
Cunningham’s future teammates will also have to deal with the media asking them questions about the Missouri product. Do they want to deal with that? Probably not but that’s the sort of stuff that you get when you’re a teammate with Sophie Cunningham. The Fever might be the only fit in that sense because they’re used to this kind of attention, while other players in the league might want nothing to do with that kind of drama. One team that won’t sign Cunningham? The Phoenix Mercury. You can cross that team off a potential list of teams that would be interested in her.
Does it make sense basketball-wise?
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) looks to shoot the ball against the Connecticut Sun during a game on Friday, Aug. 28,
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) looks to shoot the ball against the Connecticut Sun during a game on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever defeated the Sun 111-91. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
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Cunningham is a type of player that every team in the W needs, and that’s what makes her future so intriguing. She’s a 3-and-D player, and that’s critical to being successful. The 6’1 forward averaged 7.9 PPG this season, her lowest average in the last five seasons. She’s on a team with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, so shots are hard to come by.
She’ll probably piss off the other team’s best player, for better or worse, but she isn’t afraid to play defense. Her stat line sometimes makes it look like she’s just getting cardio, but her ability to guard multiple positions makes her an asset.
The eight-year veteran can play with superstars because she doesn’t take shots away from them and can shoot the three-ball. Cunningham shot 41.9% from deep this season and has the ability to be a floor spacer. She’s an ideal running mate for players like Clark because of her shooting and her role as an enforcer of sorts.
Cunningham wasn’t thrilled with her last contract, so it will be interesting to see what offers she gets and if a return to the Fever is in the cards.
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MORE: Has Sophie Cunningham played her final game with Indiana Fever?
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