Indiana Fever announce disappointing Sophie Cunningham news

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever announce disappointing Sophie Cunningham news

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jun 11, 2026 7:39 PM ET

The Indiana Fever entered the 2026 season with championship aspirations after reaching the WNBA semifinals a year ago. Through 11 games, however, the campaign has been far from smooth. Indiana sits at 6-5.

One player who has become an important part of the Fever’s rotation is Sophie Cunningham. In her second season with Indiana, Cunningham has appeared in all 11 games, averaging 8.7 points in 22.9 minutes, while playing alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.

Her best performance of the season came against the Seattle Storm when she erupted for a season-high 17 points.

More recently, she played a key role in Monday’s dramatic win over the Washington Mystics, delivering the inbound pass that led to Clark’s game-winning three-pointer.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) sits on the sideline.© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, the Fever will be without Cunningham against the Chicago Sky. After being listed as questionable Wednesday with a right elbow injury, Indiana officially ruled her out for Thursday night’s matchup. Cunningham participated in portions of practice earlier in the week, but will now miss her first game of the season.

It’s Cunningham’s first injury absence since her 2025 season ended prematurely after she suffered a torn MCL in her right knee.

Status Update for tonight's game vs. Chicago:

Caitlin Clark - Available (back)
Sophie Cunningham - Out (right elbow) https://t.co/byTwX05EyA
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 11, 2026

The Fever now turn their attention to Thursday’s home game against the Sky. Indiana enters the game with the eighth best record in WNBA, while Chicago arrives with a 4-8 record. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Indiana will hope Clark, Boston and Kelsey Mitchell can provide enough firepower to overcome Cunningham’s absence and continue building momentum heading into the heart of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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