Speculation over Sophie Cunningham‘s status with the Indiana Fever has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community.
Reports suggesting she might not be among the players the team protects in next year’s expansion draft quickly ignited fan outrage and debate across social media.
What started as a projected roster move has evolved into one of the offseason’s most closely watched storylines, highlighting both Cunningham‘s importance to Indiana and the complex decisions teams face as the league expands.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton recently published a projection of Indiana‘s protected players for the 2026 expansion draft, listing Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and rookie Makayla Timpson as the five players the Fever are expected to safeguard.
Cunningham, a veteran wing with a strong fan following, was notably absent from the list, immediately sparking conversation about whether the team could lose a key contributor.
With two new franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, entering the league, teams are limited in how many players they can protect.
Decisions must account not only for talent and roster balance but also for contract situations, salary cap considerations, and the potential for free agency in what promises to be a high-stakes offseason under the WNBA’s forthcoming collective bargaining agreement.
Fans reacted quickly. Social media feeds are filled with posts urging the Fever to keep Cunningham, with one writing, “Not protecting Sophie Cunningham should be considered a crime,” and another pledging to follow her wherever she plays next season.
The reaction underlines how much Cunningham has resonated with supporters in Indiana and across the league.
Why Cunningham‘s situation matters beyond one team
Cunningham‘s impact on the Fever goes beyond her stats. The 29-year-old guard joined Indiana in a high-profile multi-team trade from the Phoenix Mercury ahead of the 2025 season.
She quickly became a key contributor, averaging 8.6 points per game before suffering a season-ending MCL injury in August. Her absence was felt immediately as Indiana navigated the stretch run and made a surprising run to the semifinals.
Even sidelined, Cunningham remained an influential presence. She was often seen offering guidance to teammates, particularly star Caitlin Clark, emphasizing her role not just as a scorer but as a mentor on the court.
Cunningham later reflected on her bench presence during the playoffs, describing how she and Clark worked together to support the team’s strategy and morale.
Off the court, Cunningham has developed a reputation for speaking candidly on league issues, reflecting broader labor and contract discussions within the WNBA.
During a public appearance, when asked about her potential return to the Fever, she responded bluntly: “Tell them to pay us”.
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