Sophie Cunningham Draws Attention With Negative Change in Physical Appearance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 4:03 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever have hit a bit of a slump, losing three of their last four games, most recently to the Dallas Wings.

Still, Cunningham has had a solid first season with the Fever, averaging 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds. She even earned a starting spot over the last 11 games.

But Cunningham’s impact goes beyond the box score. She’s earned a reputation as Indiana’s enforcer, always ready to physically back up her teammates.

Part of being an enforcer means taking hits for the team, and Cunningham appears to have done just that. On Thursday, the former Phoenix Mercury star posted a video showing a mark on her upper lip.

"I need this lip to heal already," Cunningham wrote on TikTok. "It’s ruining my vibe!"

It’s unclear when or where the busted lip happened, but all signs suggest the injury came during a WNBA game.

@sophiecham
I need this lip to heal already. It’s ruining my vibe! @reformation #fyp
♬ original sound - Country Sayings

WNBA fans took notice of Cunningham's "busted lip," leaving their thoughts on social media.

"Not even a busted lip can defuse the beauty of Sophie Cunningham," one fan said.

"Epsom salt in a glass of water. soak it nonstop during downtime," another recommended.

"that is gonna hurt for a while," claimed a third.

"just slap some mustard on that gash. That'll fix it," added a fourth.

"poor lip," posted a fifth.

"Still pretty :)," wrote a sixth.

After playing college basketball at Missouri, Cunningham spent her first six WNBA seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. Following Diana Taurasi’s retirement in early 2025, the Mercury entered a retooling phase, trading Cunningham to the Fever and choosing not to bring back Brittney Griner.

Since joining the Fever, Cunningham’s popularity has skyrocketed. She even gained more than a million social media followers after stepping in to protect All-WNBA guard Caitlin Clark.

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

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