It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Sophie Cunningham and many other WNBA players is left without a league to play in this year as the season opener approaches without a new collective bargaining agreement in sight.
But while Cunningham has no intentions of retiring from pro basketball even if there’s no WNBA games for the foreseeable future, she’s still planning ahead. In an interview with Madison Williams for Sports Illustrated, Cunningham said that she’s gained a passion for doing basketball commentary and might even see a career in it for herself somewhere down the line.
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“I just love sports. I love talking to people and learning their stories. I love the ‘why,’” Cunningham said. “When I get asked to [commentate] for basketball, I know the game, I have the IQ for it. I see plays, I see why they do different schemes. You get to break down these elite level players and why they do what they do. I find it so fascinating, and I understand it. And, for some reason, people like to hear me break it down.”
“Maybe there’s going to be a career there when I’m done playing basketball that that’s what I’ll get right into,” Cunningham added. “I’m excited for that.”
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Cunningham & Basketball
Cunningham was selected 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, coming off a standout college career at the University of Missouri. She finished as Missouri’s all-time leader in points and free throws, and was a three-time All-SEC First Team selection. After being drafted, she spent six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, gradually growing into a more prominent role. Her biggest season with Phoenix came in 2022, when she averaged 12.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, starting 20 of her 28 appearances. That same year she set her career-high of 36 points in a game against the Minnesota Lynx.
In January 2025, Cunningham was traded to the Indiana Fever in a four-team deal, where she quickly became a fan favorite alongside Caitlin Clark. She became the most-searched WNBA player of 2025, surpassing even her teammate Caitlin Clark, helping the Fever win the Commissioner’s Cup championship and reach the WNBA semifinals.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates Friday, July 11, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 99-82.© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
However, her season was cut short after she tore her right MCL, limiting her to 30 games. She also gained widespread attention for her physical, tough style of play – most notably when she was ejected from a game against the Connecticut Sun after retaliating against a player who had poked Caitlin Clark in the eye, an incident that went viral.
Cunningham now ranks among the biggest fan favorites in the WNBA outside of Caitlin Clark herself. There’s really no limit to what opportunities will be available to her if she plays her cards right.
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This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
