Sophie Cunningham. Image via: Getty Images Sophie Cunningham is giving fans a different look at her life away from the basketball court as the Indiana Fever guard enjoys the WNBA’s mid-season break. The 30-year-old has been soaking up the sun with friends, sharing bikini photos that quickly caught attention online. Cunningham has built a strong following through her basketball career and growing presence away from the game. Her latest break comes at an interesting point in the season, with the WNBA paused for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.Cunningham’s growing popularity has opened new doors, including work in sports media and memorabilia. She has also found ways to connect directly with fans while the league is away from regular-season action. One of those opportunities comes later this month, when she is scheduled to take part in a livestreamed autograph event.
Sophie Cunningham shows off bikini looks while posing with her pals
Sophie Cunningham has been making the most of her time away from basketball, and her latest Instagram update gave followers a glimpse of her sunny getaway. She posed in a barely-there bikini alongside her friends, trading the familiar Fever uniform for a much more relaxed look.
Sophie Cunningham strikes a series of sizzling bikini poses with friends. Image via: sophie_cham/ Instagram
The photos arrived during the WNBA’s 17-day pause, which has given players time away from the packed regular-season schedule. The league is taking a break while the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is being played in Germany, with several WNBA stars representing their countries.Team USA, led by players such as Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, has started strongly in the tournament. Cunningham, meanwhile, is enjoying her time back home and making the most of the Labor Day weekend.
Sophie Cunningham is making good use of her vacation with a side hustle
Cunningham’s break also includes a business opportunity aimed directly at her growing fan base.She is charging $199 for a single item to be signed during a livestreamed eBay autograph session scheduled for September 15. Fans can send in a jersey, photograph or basketball, with Cunningham signing the item live on camera.The event, hosted by memorabilia dealer Prime Time Sports & Framing, was initially planned for August 25 alongside fellow Fever guard Lexie Hull. It was later rescheduled for September 15, a date that fits neatly into Indiana’s schedule.The autograph signing comes as Cunningham’s social media profile continues to surge. Her Instagram following reportedly climbed from about 1.3 million in the spring to 4.1 million by early September.The growth has put her among the WNBA’s most-followed players on Instagram. Angel Reese leads with about 5.2 million followers, while Cunningham has moved ahead of Caitlin Clark, who has roughly 4 million.Her growing audience helps explain why a $199 autograph session can carry plenty of value. Cunningham is no longer known only for what she does during games. Her personality, online presence, and opportunities outside basketball have become a significant part of her public profile.For now, though, the Fever guard appears happy to enjoy some downtime with friends.