Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the rest of the 2025 WNBA season after suffering a right knee injury in Sunday’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun.
The devastating moment unfolded in the second quarter when Sun guard Bria Hartley lost her footing and collapsed into Cunningham’s leg. The Fever star immediately grabbed her knee and remained on the court in visible pain before trainers helped her off and into the locker room.
On Tuesday, the Fever confirmed she is expected to make a full recovery, though they declined to reveal specifics of the injury.
How the Injury Happened
Cunningham had stepped in to provide extra defense in the paint when Hartley turned the ball over to Lexie Hull. As Hartley stumbled, she fell directly into Cunningham’s leg, causing the injury that ended her season on the spot.
In a roster adjustment, Indiana signed veteran guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract and released Kyra Lambert.
Sister Slams League Over Safety
The fallout extended beyond the court when Cunningham’s sister, Lindsey, lashed out at league officials over player protection.
“@WNBA maybe you should focus less on fining players for commenting on your poor officiating & more about hiring officials that are able to call a consistent game and protect your athletes. Pathetic. Praying for you, @sophaller,” Lindsey Cunningham wrote on X.
Her fiery criticism reflects growing frustration inside and outside the Fever locker room as injuries continue to pile up.
Fever Struggling With Health Setbacks
Cunningham’s loss is just the latest setback in a brutal season for Indiana’s roster. Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark is sidelined with a groin injury, while guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald were already ruled out for the year earlier this month.
Colson tore her left ACL, and McDonald fractured a bone in her right foot. The rash of injuries has left the Fever scrambling to stay competitive as the season winds down.
Cunningham’s First Year With Indiana
This was Cunningham’s debut season with the Fever, and it didn’t take long for her to become a fan favorite. Earlier in the year, she made headlines for stepping up to defend Clark during a heated game against the Sun. That scuffle led to her ejection, but it also boosted her social media following and public profile.
Off the court, Cunningham even launched a podcast with reality star and sports reporter West Wilson, further solidifying her presence in the spotlight.
Playing on a one-year, $100,000 contract, Cunningham was set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
By the Numbers
Before her injury, Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 30 games, starting in 13 of them.
It was a promising start to her Fever career. Now, both her future with the team and her recovery timeline will be closely watched.
