Sophie Cunningham reacts to Indiana Fever’s big decision

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Sophie Cunningham reacts to Indiana Fever’s big decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 3:23 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham made her mark with the Indiana Fever during her first season with the team in 2025. The 6-foot-1 guard played 30 games throughout the season, including 13 starts. Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 triples in 25.2 minutes per contest.

Cunningham’s first season with the Fever, however, was cut short by injury. She suffered a torn MCL in her right knee, which turned out to be a season-ending injury for the former Missouri Tigers star.

Cunningham is now fully healthy heading into the new WNBA season. On Friday, she made her 2026 debut in the Fever’s first preseason game. The 29-year-old helped lead Indiana to an easy 109-91 win over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries.

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham starts in preseason debut

The Fever were shorthanded on Saturday night. Caitlin Clark was in action for her first Fever game since July 15, 2025. However, Indiana was missing the services of guards Lexie Hull and Tyasha Harris. The frontcourt was also shorthanded with Aliyah Boston and Damiris Dantas both unavailable for the contest.

The preseason injuries led head coach Stephanie White to give Cunningham the nod to start against the Liberty. The Fever posted the team’s starters ahead of tip-off.

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Cunningham started just 13 games last season, and most of them were after Clark’s injury. She got the chance to start alongside the two-time All-Star on Saturday. However, this does not guarantee that Cunningham will be part of the starting lineup for the Fever’s first game of the season on May 9 against the Dallas Wings.

Cunningham took to social media to share her reaction to the Fever deciding to insert her into the starting five for Saturday’s contest.

“gang

” she wrote in an Instagram story, sharing the Fever’s lineup post.

Cunningham responded by providing quality minutes for Coach White. The former Phoenix Mercury guard scored 13 points in 14 minutes of action after shooting 5-of-8 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Cunningham added two rebounds, an assist, two steals and zero turnovers in the win.

Cunningham and Co. will be back in action on Thursday for their next preseason game. The Fever will host the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. At this point, it remains to be seen if Cunningham will get another preseason start.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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