WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham has become quite a star on and off the hardwood over the past year.
Cunningham has been with the Phoenix Mercury since 2019. In January, however, she was traded to the Indiana Fever in a deal that also involved the Connecticut Sun and Dallas Wings. That move surprised the fan base in Phoenix considering she signed a contract extension last September.
Although it’ll be a new setting for Cunningham, she’s ready to show what she can do for the Fever. During the 2024 season, she averaged 8.4 points per game on 37.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Indiana would gladly take that production this upcoming season.
Off the court, Cunningham has gained thousands of fans due to her unapologetic personality and eye-popping wardrobe. With the Fever’s season opener slowly but surely approaching, it won’t be long before she gets to show off her pregame outfits.
We caught up with Cunningham to talk about her partnership with Quest Nutrition, her upcoming season with the Fever and much more.
The Spun: Can you tell us about your partnership with Quest Nutrition and what you’ve got going on for the NCAA Tournament?
Sophie Cunningham: I’m really excited. I think this tournament has been so much fun. This is a year for new opportunity. Quest allowed me to make espresso martinis at New York City’s Stumble Inn. I played in the tournament forever, but now I get to be a fan and bring some spunk to it. We want to support the game while also supporting Quest. They’re a great company that’s all about empowering women and great things.
The Spun: You’ve been with Phoenix since 2019. Do you think it’ll be difficult adjusting to a change of scenery?
Sophie Cunningham: I’m from the Midwest. I was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. I miss the people there. Coming back home and coming closer to home is great. I’m excited for the basketball aspect of it. I thrive in a motion offense. I thrive in a run-and-gun offense. As a shooter and slasher, that’s a dream. On the court, I’m super excited. Off the court, it’s a great opportunity for me to get back my roots and give back to the community. My people will be able to come and support my games since I’m not 24 hours away from them. As a whole, it just makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day, I want to win championships and I think we’re going to do that.
The Spun: Indiana has really loaded up on experience this offseason. With the roster being pretty deep, how do you find your role on the Fever?
Sophie Cunningham: When you’re a pro, it’s all about adjusting. If you can’t do that, you won’t be in the league for long. It’s all about building that chemistry and rhythm. Once you find that, you’ll know your role. When you have people willing to put their egos aside, I think it’s quite easy to settle in. I can shoot the ball well, but what I need to do is work hard and be myself.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 11: Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever speaks to the media during an introductory press conference on March 11, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Ron Hoskins/Getty Images
The Spun: The Fever will be featured in WNBA record 41 nationally-televised games. What does that say about this team and the state of the league?
Sophie Cunningham: I’m not surprised. I think Caitlin [Clark] has played a huge part in that – I’m not taking anything away from her. She has done a phenomenal job of carrying everything around her at such a young age while remaining who she is. I think we’re the hottest team right now in women’s sports. I think it’s just basketball at the end of the day, so we need to make sure everyone is on the same page.
The Spun: You went viral for your pregame outfits last season. Do you have any plans for this upcoming season?
Sophie Cunningham: I do plan ahead, so my outfits are going to be fun and spicy. We have a lot of eyes on our game. I’ll continue to grow my brand with the platform I’ve been given. I’m proud to represent companies like Quest. So when I’m coming in with spicy outfits, I’m sure Quest will be represented in a couple of them.
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