Sophie Cunningham Reveals Timeline for Fever Return After Season-Ending Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 10:42 PM ET

It has now been nearly two weeks since Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham went under the knife to address an MCL tear in her right knee. It was a season-ending injury for the 29-year-old, who has now been left with no choice but to cheer for her team from the sidelines as the Fever continue to fight for a spot in the playoffs.

Cunningham, however, was able to provide a significant update on her road to recovery. On Tuesday’s episode of her “Show Me Something” podcast, the 6-foot-1 guard revealed that she expects to be back before the start of the new season.

"They say like four months," Cunningham said on her recovery timeline. "I'd say January, February, but I feel like I ... Not trying to say anything, but I think I heal quicker and recover quite fast."

Cunningham is clearly feeling optimistic about her comeback. This is excellent news, considering that some players take significantly longer than four months to recover from MCL surgery. In some instances, recovery can even extend to 12 months, depending on how one’s knee responds to the rehabilitation process.

It is important to note that the new WNBA season does not start until May of 2026, which gives Cunningham an allowance of roughly three or four months from her predicted return date. This only means that even if there’s a setback in her initial timetable, all signs currently point to the former Missouri star being ready for the start of the new season.

Cunningham, who averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 triples in 30 games played this season, is currently on a one-year deal with the Fever. She is expected to enter negotiations on a new contract once she becomes eligible for one during the offseason, and this development on her injury timeline will likely have a considerable impact on her possible extension with Indiana.

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

More must-reads: