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Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'I’m 28 And I’m Living Rent Free': Sophie Cunningham Gets Honest About Not Owning a Home Despite Six-Figure Deal

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 12:20 PM ET

“Homeowner at 28”. If you frequent social media a lot, you would see people flaunting their wins as if some validation is owed for their early timeline. And in our story: Sophie Cunningham , known for her hustle on and off the court, is making headlines for a different kind of lifestyle choice. Despite earning a six-figure salary in the WNBA, the Phoenix Mercury guard revealed she doesn’t own a home—and she’s not in a rush to change that.

“I think a lot of people still really use team housing,” Sophie Cunningham said during a recent podcast appearance (timestamp 42:00). “Think about it, I’m 28 and I’m living rent free. Beside my phone and car, I really am kind of living expense free besides a couple things so it’s kind of nice.”

There’s this stigma that if you’re earning X amount of money, you need to have this and this and that. And for an athlete in a well known competition, visibility makes their lifestyles under constant scrutiny. Then we have Sophie Cunningham. A good counter-argument to the norm.

Sophie Cunningham’s approach shows how athletes are rethinking what stability looks like, especially in a league where long-term contracts and endorsements aren’t guaranteed. Throw following traditional paths out the window.

As she continues to build her brand, Sophie Cunningham is proving that living smart can be just as powerful as playing hard.

Sophie Cunningham Shares Recovery Progress After Knee Surgery

After undergoing season-ending knee surgery, Sophie Cunningham is staying optimistic and focused on recovery. The Phoenix Mercury standout gave fans a glimpse into her rehab routine and the encouraging feedback she’s received from doctors.

Indiana Fever forward Damiris Dantas (12), Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) huddle up Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

“They said for my age and for like what I do for a living that my knees are looking real nice,” Sophie Cunningham said. “I’ve been doing a little bit of rehab. Lots of icing, just trying to get extension.”

Her season was cut short, Sophie Cunningham. And this update is just an addendum to that fact. Rehab, recovery, rest, exercise, rest again, mobility tests, all things on her menu for the time being.

It’s a season-ender for Sophie Cunningham. There’s no answer to when she’d be back. But there’s a definitive answer for if she’d be coming back. A rebuild is in the works which could make her better than new.

Sophie Cunningham remains a key figure in the league, and fans will be watching closely as she works her way back to full strength.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts to a call from the referee on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever, 81-80.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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