Sophie Cunningham is an American professional basketball player who has built a notable WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever. Born in Columbia, Missouri, she developed into one of the most accomplished women’s basketball players in Missouri history before entering the WNBA in 2019.
Today, Cunningham is known for her three-point shooting, competitive playing style, media presence, and role with the Indiana Fever. Her profile has also expanded beyond basketball through appearances in Sports Illustrated, podcasting, and other media projects. In 2026, she has attracted additional attention because of her public comments on women’s sports and transgender athletes, as well as ongoing interest in her personal life.
Who Is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham is a professional basketball guard who currently plays for the Indiana Fever. The WNBA lists her at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 156 pounds, with a birth date of August 16, 1996. She played college basketball at the University of Missouri and was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft.
Her basketball résumé began in Columbia, Missouri, where she starred at Rock Bridge High School before becoming a standout at Mizzou. She later spent six WNBA seasons with Phoenix before joining Indiana in 2025.
| Sophie Cunningham Fact | Details |
| Full name | Sophie Cunningham |
| Birthday | August 16, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Columbia, Missouri |
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 156 lbs |
| Position | Guard |
| College | Missouri |
| WNBA Draft | 2019, Round 2, Pick 13 |
| Current team | Indiana Fever |
| Previous WNBA team | Phoenix Mercury |
Sophie Cunningham Age, Birthday & Birthplace
Sophie Cunningham was born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri. That makes her 30 years old as of October 2026. The Missouri connection has remained an important part of her identity because she grew up there and later became one of the most decorated basketball players in University of Missouri history.
Her hometown background also helped shape her basketball career. Before becoming a WNBA player, Cunningham led Rock Bridge High School to four consecutive state championships, establishing herself as a major Missouri basketball prospect.
Sophie Cunningham Height and Position
Sophie Cunningham’s listed height is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters), and the WNBA lists her position as guard. Her size, shooting ability, and perimeter experience have helped her operate as a versatile offensive player.
Her three-point shooting is particularly important to her professional game. During the 2025 regular season with Indiana, Sports Illustrated reported that she shot 43.2% from three-point range.
Sophie Cunningham’s Early Life and Family
Cunningham grew up in Columbia, Missouri, and came from a family with strong connections to the University of Missouri. Both of her parents were Mizzou athletes, while her older sister Lindsey also played basketball for the Tigers.
Her early basketball success was substantial. At Rock Bridge High School, she helped the team win four straight state championships and was recognized as the 2014 USA Today Gatorade Missouri Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She was also a 2015 McDonald’s All-American.
Sophie Cunningham’s Missouri Basketball Career
Cunningham played for Missouri from 2015 through 2019 and quickly became one of the program’s defining players.
In her first college game, she scored a school-record 42 points against Wake Forest. She continued to develop into an elite scorer and finished her Missouri career with 2,187 points, making her the program’s all-time leading scorer at the time.
She also earned All-SEC First Team recognition three times and became Missouri’s first AP All-American, receiving Third Team honors in 2019. Her college career included four NCAA Tournament appearances.
In 2025, Cunningham was inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame, further recognizing her importance to the program.
When Was Sophie Cunningham Drafted?
The Phoenix Mercury selected Sophie Cunningham with the 13th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft. She entered the professional league after completing one of the strongest careers in Missouri women’s basketball history.
Sophie Cunningham With the Phoenix Mercury
Cunningham spent her first six WNBA seasons with Phoenix. According to her official WNBA profile, she appeared in 182 games for the Mercury and averaged 7.7 points per game during that stretch. She finished her Phoenix tenure among the franchise’s statistical leaders in points, three-pointers and free throws.
Her role developed around perimeter shooting and offensive energy. She also appeared in the 2021 WNBA Finals with Phoenix, gaining valuable postseason experience.
Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever
Cunningham joined the Indiana Fever from the Phoenix Mercury through a four-team trade on January 31, 2025. The move began a new chapter in her career and placed her on a roster that received substantial national attention.
During her first Indiana season, Cunningham scored 257 points in 30 games. She also scored 13 points in the Commissioner’s Cup championship game as Indiana won the trophy for the first time in franchise history.
Her shooting and experience have made her a useful perimeter option for the Fever. The team’s official video archive also documents numerous three-point plays from Cunningham during the 2026 season.
Sophie Cunningham Stats
The WNBA’s current player profile lists Cunningham’s career averages at approximately 7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Her current-season figures are updated separately by the league as games are played.
For a current article, it is important to distinguish career averages from the active season because her numbers can change throughout the year.
| Statistical Category | Career Average |
| Points | 7.9 PPG |
| Rebounds | 2.7 RPG |
| Assists | 1.4 APG |
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Position | Guard |
What Is Sophie Cunningham Known For?
Cunningham is known primarily for her WNBA career, three-point shooting, competitiveness, and Missouri basketball background. Her public profile grew significantly after joining the Indiana Fever, particularly as the team’s games received increased attention.
Sports Illustrated described her as one of the Fever’s recognizable players and highlighted her emergence as a major three-point shooter. She was also featured in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, expanding her profile beyond basketball.
In 2026, she also announced a broadcasting career and became involved in additional media opportunities.
Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark
Cunningham’s time with Indiana has also connected her publicly with Caitlin Clark and the broader attention surrounding the Fever.
Media coverage has frequently discussed Cunningham’s role as an experienced teammate and her support for Clark during highly publicized moments. Sports Illustrated has described Cunningham as an important part of the Fever’s increased visibility.
It is best to distinguish documented on-court interactions from assumptions about the players’ private friendship. Public coverage can establish their professional relationship as teammates, but personal claims require direct confirmation.
Sophie Cunningham Partner: Is She Dating Anyone?
Questions about Sophie Cunningham’s partner have increased during 2026. She has been linked in media reports with Frank Adams, a sports medicine professional and Grand Canyon University men’s basketball athletic trainer.
However, Cunningham and Adams have not publicly confirmed that they are in a romantic relationship. Recent reporting describes their connection as speculation based on public appearances rather than a confirmed relationship.
That distinction matters because viral social-media posts have circulated claims that were not supported by an actual statement from Cunningham. As of September 2026, there is no reliable public confirmation identifying Adams as her partner.
Sophie Cunningham and Political Controversy
Political searches related to Sophie Cunningham increased substantially in 2026 after she publicly discussed transgender athletes and women’s sports.
The Washington Post reported that Cunningham stood by comments she made about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. The Fever said its players are adults with their own perspectives and that those views belong to the individual players.
Cunningham has also described herself as politically independent of a specific party. According to The Washington Post, she said she considers herself “very much in the middle” and said she agrees with some positions on both sides.
This explains why searches such as Sophie Cunningham MAGA and Sophie Cunningham Trump appear alongside her name. The connection is largely driven by coverage of her public comments and subsequent attention from political figures, rather than by a publicly confirmed party affiliation.
Sophie Cunningham Teeth and Veneers
Another search trend concerns Sophie Cunningham’s teeth and whether she has had cosmetic dental work.
Some online articles analyze photographs and suggest possible veneers or other cosmetic dentistry. However, visual comparisons alone cannot establish that a person has received veneers, whitening, bonding, or another specific dental procedure.
For that reason, claims about Sophie Cunningham’s teeth should be presented as observations rather than confirmed medical or dental facts unless she or a qualified dental professional with direct knowledge has publicly confirmed the procedure.
Sophie Cunningham’s Major Achievements
Cunningham’s career includes accomplishments at both the college and professional levels.
- Four Missouri state championships at Rock Bridge High School
- 2015 McDonald’s All-American
- 2016 SEC Freshman of the Year
- Three-time All-SEC First Team
- 2019 AP All-America Third Team
- Missouri’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points
- 2019 WNBA Draft selection
- 2021 WNBA Finals appearance
- 2025 Commissioner’s Cup champion
- 2025 Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame inductee
Sophie Cunningham’s Media Career
Cunningham’s visibility now extends beyond WNBA games. In 2026, Sports Illustrated featured her in its Swimsuit Issue, while she also announced plans to work in broadcasting.
These projects add another dimension to her career as she builds a public profile that includes basketball, entertainment, commentary and media work.
Conclusion
Sophie Cunningham’s story extends well beyond her current WNBA role. From four Missouri state championships and a record-setting college career to the Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, and her 2025 Commissioner’s Cup title, she has built a substantial basketball résumé.
Her public profile has continued to grow in 2026 through basketball, media appearances, Sports Illustrated, broadcasting, and public commentary. For anyone searching for Sophie Cunningham, the most useful picture is therefore a complete one: a Missouri basketball standout, WNBA guard, accomplished three-point shooter, and increasingly visible media personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham was born August 16, 1996, making her 30 years old as of October 2026.
How tall is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham is listed by the WNBA at 6 feet 1 inch tall. Her listed weight is 156 pounds.
What team does Sophie Cunningham play for?
Sophie Cunningham plays for the Indiana Fever. She joined the team from the Phoenix Mercury in January 2025.
What college did Sophie Cunningham attend?
She attended the University of Missouri, where she became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,187 points.
When was Sophie Cunningham drafted?
The Phoenix Mercury selected Cunningham 13th overall in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft.
Who is Sophie Cunningham’s partner?
Cunningham’s current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed. She has been linked in recent reports with Frank Adams, but neither has publicly confirmed that they are dating.
Is Sophie Cunningham politically affiliated with MAGA or a political party?
Cunningham has made public comments on transgender athletes and women’s sports that led to political attention. However, The Washington Post reported that she has declined to identify herself with a specific political party and described herself as being “very much in the middle.”
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