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Sophie Cunningham Puts Future With Fever in Doubt Following Career Announcement
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Key Points

  • Sophie Cunningham is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
  • She is currently recovering from a season-ending torn MCL.
  • Cunningham is now searching for a long-term contract with her next WNBA team.

Sophie Cunningham has been a notable player in the WNBA for several seasons, but her profile reached new heights this past year after joining the Indiana Fever and playing alongside Caitlin Clark.

However, like several players on the Fever roster following their run to the conference finals, Cunningham is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the market opens in the winter of 2026. On her weekly podcast, "Show Me Something," she didn’t sound confident that her future in the league will be with the Fever, a remark that quickly caught fans’ attention.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts during a game against the Phoenix Mercury. © Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cunningham revealed that she is now seeking a larger multi-year contract so she can buy a house and settle down with her next team.

“I think the next team I play for I want a bigger contract, so I can then buy a house and be homey and cozy,” Cunningham said.

Her co-host added fuel to the speculation, suggesting, “Wow, that could be the Liberty, could be New York City, it could also be the Lynx in Minneapolis,” to which Cunningham responded, “It could be anywhere.”

Check it out:

"Sounds like Sophie is going somewhere. Where ever it is I will follow. Sorry Indy I usually don't change teams but this will be my exception," a fan said.

Someone else added, "She’s putting it out there for a reason,"

Another person wrote, "She means more to the Fever and Indy than just her good play. They need to lock her in. She’s gained a huge following that you don’t want to see moving to another team."

"Surely the Indiana fever aren’t crazy enough to let Sophie Cunningham leave. You gave up a first round pick to get her," one more fan commented.

While these comments don't necessarily signal that Cunningham will leave the Fever, it does highlight where her priorities lie at this stage of her career. In a way, it also gives Indiana a clear indication of the type of offer they would need to make if they hope to retain her.

That said, coming off a major knee injury could influence certain stipulations in her next contract. Regardless, Cunningham remains one of the most prominent free agents on the market thanks to her two-way ability and leadership on both ends of the floor..

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

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