For those who say Caitlin Clark is the queen of the WNBA, Sophie Cunningham’s recent rise to prominence may suggest otherwise after beating her teammate in the online popularity battle.
As the league continues to grow, more people are becoming aware of the protagonists in women’s basketball.
Clark’s global appeal is undeniable, but it seems her Indiana Fever teammate Cunningham’s personality on and off the court is winning some acclaim too.
She has stolen the crown from Clark for the WNBA’s highest number of internet searches. Earlier this week, Google released its annual “Year in Search” report revealing the 10 most-searched athletes in the United States.
Cunningham came in at No. 7 – the only woman to crack the Top 10 – among a list of sports stars and celebrities.
No Caitlin Clark in top 10
It shocked a lot of people that Clark, the No.1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and ex-Iowa phenom, was not included in the top 10.
As the face of the WNBA, many expected her to snare the majority of searches.
Cunningham’s popularity exploded this season thanks to her on-court play, off-court personality, and her close relationship with Clark-Cunningham moments that went mega-viral.
Yet Clark, who remains the most popular player in the entire WNBA, didn’t even make the list.
Of course, this ranking measures raw search interest and visibility, not on-court impact or marketability.
Cunningham has her say
When asked about landing in the Top 10 on the Show Me Something podcast, Cunningham said: “I really don’t know how to feel about that. It’s kind of cool, I guess, like you’re the only female up there. That’s fun.
“But there’s no real feelings towards it. People want to know more about me. I mean, yeah. But I’m sure last year [Clark] was probably No. 1, right? She blew up in college… this is just this year.”
When co-host West Wilson clarified that only a few players on the list are on their second professional contract, Cunningham cracked a joke: “Does that mean I’m a late-bloomer, though?” the WNBA star said.
“If I’m on my second contract, it takes a lot more for people to know who I was.”
Wilson repllied: “What’s actually crazy is that you’re on this and not CC [Clark], even touching it.” They added that if Google were to reveal the next five slots, making it a top 15 list, then Clark would be on it.
“Yeah, but I’m sure like, maybe last year, [Clark] was No. 1, right?” Cunningham responded. “Like, this is just this year. So she blew up in college, you know what I mean?”
A small confidence boost
Next season will be fascinating for WNBA fans, with Clark expected to return fully healthy as the Fever try to compete for the title after falling at the playoffs stage.
Perhaps the 24-year-old will try to reclaim the throne she temporarily lost to her own teammate, although it’s not something she can necessarily control.
Cunningham has missed a huge chunk of the season through injury and will be desperate to get back out there.
But celebrating the small victories like this will provide her a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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