Sophie Cunningham reportedly shopping tell-all book amid WNBA controversy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham may be ready to take her voice beyond press conferences, podcasts and social media. The Indiana Fever guard is reportedly shopping a tell-all book to publishers, according to Page Six. Publishing sources told the outlet that Cunningham’s project could generate significant interest and potentially lead to a bidding war.
Advertisement
No title, publisher or expected release date has been announced. Cunningham’s representatives also had not publicly confirmed the project as of Monday. The timing of the reported book proposal is notable. Cunningham has emerged as one of the biggest personalities in the WNBA, attracting attention for her outspoken nature, physical playing style and rapidly expanding profile outside basketball.
She also has found herself at the center of several heated debates throughout the 2026 season.
Cunningham’s comments sparked widespread reaction
Cunningham drew criticism in July after discussing transgender participation in women’s sports during an interview with ESPN. The 29-year-old said she did not hate transgender people and wanted to “extend love,” but she also argued that women and girls should not have to compete against athletes who were born male.
Advertisement
Her comments prompted rallies both supporting and opposing her at Fever road games. They also drew reactions from prominent sports figures. Former United States soccer star Megan Rapinoe criticized Cunningham’s stance after the Fever guard posed for a photo with former college swimmer Riley Gaines before Indiana’s Aug. 2 game against the Minnesota Lynx. ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was among those who publicly defended Cunningham.
Cunningham later said she wanted the focus to return to basketball, but the scrutiny surrounding her has continued. The Fever guard again became a major talking point following Indiana’s 90-86 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
DiJonai Carrington was ejected after officials upgraded her hard foul on Cunningham to a Flagrant 2. Carrington subsequently posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever” on social media.
Cunningham rejected that characterization after the game, saying the incident had “nothing to do with race.” She noted that she had been ejected for a similar play in the past and deserved the punishment she received.
Advertisement
MORE: ESPN analyst sparks Caitlin Clark backlash after WNBA reverses controversial call
Sophie Cunningham’s profile continues to grow
The controversy has not slowed Cunningham’s rise as one of the league’s most marketable players. Page Six reported that Cunningham has 3.7 million Instagram followers and two of the WNBA’s five best-selling jerseys. Her newly released Adidas footwear also reportedly sold out quickly.
Her profile now stretches well beyond the basketball court. Cunningham appeared as a ring card girl at UFC 329, modeled for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and has said WWE approached her about a possible appearance.
Advertisement
A book would represent another significant step in that expansion.
Cunningham has plenty of material to explore. She grew up in Columbia, Missouri, won four consecutive state championships at Rock Bridge High School and became Missouri’s all-time leading scorer during her college career.
The Phoenix Mercury selected her with the No. 13 pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. She spent six seasons with the organization before joining an Indiana team led by Caitlin Clark.
Cunningham is averaging 8.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from 3-point range through 31 appearances this season. The Fever sit atop the Eastern Conference at 20-12.
Advertisement
Whether the reported book ultimately reaches shelves remains unclear. Cunningham, however, has never appeared reluctant to express her opinions. If a publisher reaches an agreement with the Fever guard, her account of an eventful rise through basketball could become one of the WNBA’s most closely watched off-court projects.
