The Indiana Fever are set to tip off their 2026 WNBA season this Saturday afternoon, and Sophie Cunningham is making sure she arrives in style. The veteran guard, entering her eighth season in the league, knows that game-day fashion is just as important as what happens on the court—especially when you're playing for a team with championship aspirations.
Cunningham, a former second-round pick, spent her first six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Fever last year. Now in her second season in Indiana, she's already become a fan favorite, both for her gritty play and her unwavering support of her teammates.
So, what will Cunningham be rocking to the arena on Saturday when the Fever host the Dallas Wings? While the details of her fit are still under wraps, one thing is certain: it will be a statement. Cunningham has always had a keen sense of style, and her pre-game arrivals have become a must-see for fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Off the court, Cunningham's return to Indiana wasn't without some drama. She signed a one-year, $665,000 contract—a significant pay bump thanks to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players and the league. But while she's happy with the money, she wanted more stability. "I'm gonna shut this down right now. I'm not mad about the money…. I just wanted more years because I love it here," Cunningham wrote on X. "I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me. That's it. That's the truth. I think we have something very special here in Indiana."
It's that kind of authenticity that has endeared Cunningham to Fever fans. Before Caitlin Clark arrived in Indiana, the casual basketball fan might not have known much about Cunningham. But that changed overnight during a game last season against the Connecticut Sun. When Clark was poked in the eye and then intentionally knocked to the ground, Cunningham stepped up. She committed a hard foul on one of the offenders, instantly earning the respect of fans across the league. Her social media numbers exploded, and she became a household name for her willingness to protect her teammate.
Cunningham has also been outspoken about the league's failure to protect Clark, expressing frustration over the resentment some players seem to feel toward the star guard because of her immense popularity. It's a stance that has only solidified her status as a fan favorite in Indiana.
As the Fever gear up for what promises to be an exciting season, Cunningham's presence—both on and off the court—will be something to watch. Whether she's rocking a bold gameday fit or laying down a hard foul, she's playing with passion, purpose, and a whole lot of style.