The news that Indiana Fever fans did not want to hear became a sad reality: Sophie Cunningham will miss the rest of the 2025 WNBA season after suffering an injury to her right knee during Sunday afternoon’s game against the Connecticut Sun.
With just under eight minutes remaining in the second quarter, the 29-year-old guard fell hard to the floor when Bria Hartley of the Sun collided with her while attempting a pass. Her leg pain was more than evident and frightened her fans. Today, the team confirmed that Cunningham will not play for the remainder of 2025.
The truth is that the team has been hit hard by injuries this year: Caitlin Clark with her quadriceps and groin discomfort, Sydney Colson, who tore her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and Aari McDonald‘s broken right foot bone. Now, Sophie joins this list of injuries.
Indiana’s new contract
To mitigate Cunningham’s absence, the team signed point guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day contract and released point guard Kyra Lambert.
Peddy began her WNBA career in 2019 and has been in the league for six years. She recently played for the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 assists in six games on a sick leave contract.
Prior to that, Shey split her career between the Phoenix Mercury and the Washington Mystics.
Throughout her career, Peddy has averaged 5.9 points and 2.3 assists. In addition, she has a 40.2% field goal percentage, which will undoubtedly be a great help to the team as it fights to remain sixth in the WNBA standings and secure its place in the playoffs.
Fans’ reaction to Sophie’s absence
Indiana’ supporters were saddened by the news, but left their support and good wishes on Fever’s post:
“Absolutely tragic. This team has suffered so much,” wrote one fan. “Sorry to hear that, she will be back and better than ever,” said another user. “Brutal news. Hoping for a speedy recovery, Sophie!” said another follower.
Others also highlighted the poor refereeing:
“I’m sorry Sophie. Maybe this league will do something about inconsistent refereeing so we don’t lose our favorite players early in the season,” complained one fan.
“Sorry Sophie. What occurred is not basketball, it’s ghetto retribution. Officiating is non-existent. The girls on the Fever should sue the officials and the WBNA. What keeps happening here is unacceptable. Please rest up and get well, Miss,” said another.
“Do you perhaps think it’s time to do something about the refs, and the toxic players who are causing physical harm to other players???????” questioned another.
Now, Peddy will wear the colors of the Indiana Fever, wearing number 5 in Friday’s home game against the Minnesota Lynx.
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