Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has recently emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the WNBA, both on and off the court.
Known for her athleticism and unfiltered personality, Cunningham has steadily built a significant following, highlighted by a notable endorsement deal that marks a milestone for the league.
Cunningham gained widespread attention during the Indiana Fever’s game against the Chicago Sky on Barbie Game Day when she appeared wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Hot Girls Eat Arby’s.”
The shirt, referencing the popular fast-food chain, quickly went viral. Arby’s capitalized on the moment by reposting images of Cunningham’s outfit on social media, dubbing her an “unapologetic queen” and providing fans with a direct link to purchase the now-popular shirt. This collaboration signifies Cunningham as the first WNBA player to secure an endorsement deal with Arby’s.
Cunningham’s profile is rising rapidly
The partnership’s origin traces back to April 2025 when Cunningham posted a TikTok video reviewing Arby’s ham and roast beef sliders, awarding them a 9 out of 10 rating. The video quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views and drew considerable attention, helping to elevate Cunningham’s profile beyond the basketball court.
Despite the social media success, Cunningham has remained focused on her professional development. In interviews, she expressed surprise at her viral popularity and emphasized that her primary goal is to improve her basketball performance.
Early in the 2025 season, she noted that she was not yet satisfied with her play but has since shown measurable progress. Cunningham currently averages 7.5 points and 3.9 assists per game, indicating her growing impact on the court.
Cunningham’s rising star has not gone unnoticed within the WNBA community. While Caitlin Clark is often regarded as the league’s most prominent figure, veteran player Chiney Ogwumike has praised Cunningham as one of the most impactful newcomers. Cunningham’s assertiveness on the court and candid nature on social media have helped her carve out a distinct identity that resonates with fans.
In addition to the Arby’s deal, Cunningham has secured partnerships with several major brands, including Ring, Quest Nutrition, Mad Hippie, Adidas, and SKIMS. These endorsements have significantly contributed to her estimated net worth, which ranges between $1.5 and $2 million.
Cunningham’s ability to balance athletic performance with marketability demonstrates her growing influence in professional sports and popular culture.
The endorsement deal with Arby’s follows a similar trend within the WNBA, as players increasingly attract attention from mainstream brands. For example, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky previously partnered with McDonald’s, showcasing the growing commercial appeal of female basketball athletes.
Cunningham’s commitment to her sport and growing media presence position her as a key figure in the continued expansion and visibility of the WNBA. Her next game is scheduled against her former team, the Phoenix Mercury, where observers will be keen to see if she can create another viral moment.
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