WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Has Received 'Disturbing' Threats

Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images&period;

WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Has Received 'Disturbing' Threats

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Oct 29, 2026 9:32 AM ET

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has received some “disturbing” threats in the wake of her rise in popularity.

Cunningham, a role player for the Indiana Fever, has become a household name in the sports world over the past year or so. Cunningham has more than 4 million followers on Instagram. She’s one of the most followed players in the league, along with the likes of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

The 30-year-old guard made headlines earlier this year for speaking out on transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Cunningham said in an ESPN article that she wanted to “protect young girls in the locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) finishes a press conference before a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images© Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

This week, Cunningham appeared on Theo Von’s podcast. She revealed on the “This Past Weekend” podcast that she has received some “disturbing” threats.

“We’ll have to check if I’m even allowed to say this,” Cunningham said.

“I like have I think 20 I think people kind of that the FBI are watching for me. Me alone”

Cunningham did not clarify much on why the people are being watched, outside of the fact that she’s popular and has received some threats.

“People are going to know who you are, and that’s a really great thing,” she said.

WNBA stardom has some negative effects, too

Unfortunately, players like Cunningham, Clark, Reese and others all have to deal with creepy situations.

“We do have a lot of stalkers. I know I do,” she said. “And like that’s a negative side of things that people don’t think about. And so you do want to feel secure.”

Thankfully, the Fever and others in the WNBA have provided good security.

“We do have a lot of stalkers. I know I do,” she said. “And like that’s a negative side of things that people don’t think about. And so you do want to feel secure.”

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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