It has been nothing short of a breakout year for WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, whose influence now extends far beyond the hardwood. Traded to the Indiana Fever just before the 2025 season tipped off, Cunningham swiftly established herself as Caitlin Clark’s fierce on-court protector—an enforcer unafraid to mix it up in the paint.
But while her defensive tenacity earned respect inside the league, it’s her off-court charisma and business savvy that have catapulted her into the national spotlight, positioning her as one of the most recognizable and marketable female athletes in sports today.
Breaking the internet
This past weekend exemplified her rising star power. Cunningham was a VIP guest of NASCAR at the Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, rubbing elbows with none other than actress Sydney Sweeney.
one of us forgot our tits at home 😜 @sydney_sweeney pic.twitter.com/tcwK2VqtEh
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) November 2, 2025
Yes, you read that correctly: a WNBA role player—often overlooked in discussions dominated by rookies and MVPs—was elevated to the same red-carpet pedestal as Hollywood’s reigning “it” girl, widely regarded as one of the most attractive women on the planet. The pairing wasn’t random; it underscored Cunningham’s crossover appeal, blending athletic grit with mainstream glamour in a way that few WNBA players have achieved.
The Columbia roots run deep
At the heart of her media dominance is Show Me Something, her wildly popular new podcast co-hosted with childhood friend West Wilson, known to Bravo fans from Summer House. The duo grew up together in Columbia, Missouri, attending Rock Bridge High School, where their shared Midwestern roots and unfiltered banter shine through.
Produced under Colin Cowherd’s influential The Volume network, the show has exploded in popularity, drawing thousands of weekly listeners and viewers across platforms. Episodes blend humor, personal anecdotes, and candid sports commentary, giving fans an intimate glimpse into Cunningham’s world.
The podcast has become more than entertainment—it’s a platform for advocacy. Cunningham hasn’t shied away from criticizing WNBA officiating, calling out inconsistent calls and perceived biases on multiple episodes. Her outspokenness has come at a cost: several league fines for public comments. Yet she remains undeterred, using her voice to demand accountability.
Most notably, Cunningham has turned Show Me Something into a megaphone for labor issues as the WNBA approaches a critical Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) renegotiation. On the latest episode, she laid bare her personal stakes: “I want that next contract so I can buy a house,” she declared. “I just want to feel homey and cozy, but I’m not decorating anything again until I’ve got a three-year deal in front of me.”
Sophie Cunningham just said on her podcast she is looking for a bigger multi year contract so she can buy a house. Take care of your fellow Missouri girl @AmberLCox and make our fan favorite Sophie a Fever for life by paying her what she is worth. We can’t lose her. pic.twitter.com/969Cbnt3ge
— CaitlinFor3 (@CaitlinForThree) October 31, 2025
Her candor resonated widely, humanizing the financial precarity many WNBA players face despite growing league popularity.
She provided a rare insider update on negotiations, easing fan fears of a work stoppage. “I thought if we hadn’t reached a deal by October 31st, it’d be a lockout,” Cunningham revealed. “But it’s not the case. So long as both sides are still negotiating, play goes on.”
The WNBPA is pushing aggressively for higher base salaries, a guaranteed revenue share, and improved benefits—demands Cunningham vocally supports. Her transparency has made her a de facto player spokesperson, amplifying union efforts in real time.
Off the court, Cunningham’s brand partnerships are stacking up like highlight reels. She’s inked deals with heavy hitters including Arby’s, Ring, and Adidas. Her July viral moment—strutting in a custom “Hot Girls Eat Arby’s” T-shirt—sparked a social media frenzy and landed her a national TV spot on Good Morning America promoting the chain’s new steak nuggets.
Sophie Cunningham has partnered with Arby’s. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/n5g9ZCYycK
— Cynthia Holt (@Ghostofcynthia) July 31, 2025
The campaign wasn’t just clever marketing; it was a masterclass in leveraging personality for profit, blending humor with hustle.
Cunningham’s next step
After six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham is in transition. She’s listed her Arizona home for sale and plans to relocate to Florida during the offseason, though she’s made it clear she’d prefer to re-sign with Indiana. Her loyalty speaks volumes in an era of frequent player movement.
Statistically, her 2025 season was solid: 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and relentless defense before a torn MCL sidelined her. Remarkably, the Fever still reached the WNBA semifinals without both Cunningham and Clark, who battled a right groin injury in July and a severe left ankle sprain in August that ended her campaign prematurely. The team’s resilience mirrored Cunningham’s own.
Looking ahead, her future in the media seems assured. She’s already proven her broadcasting chops as an analyst for the Phoenix Suns, ESPN, and the SEC Network, earning praise for her sharp insights and on-air ease. Though she won’t call games this offseason—focusing instead on rehab from MCL surgery.
Sophie Cunningham isn’t just playing the game—she’s rewriting the rules of athlete branding. From viral fast-food campaigns to NASCAR VIP suites, from podcast rants to CBA negotiations, she’s building an empire one platform at a time. When she eventually steps away from the court, the media world will be waiting with open arms. And given her trajectory, she’ll dominate that too.
