Sophie Cunningham has always been a big talker. The former Mizzou star has said she could “talk to a wall for eight hours” and still be happy about it. She started her own podcast with childhood friend West Wilson named “Show Me Something.” It is produced by “The Volume,” a media company owned by Fox Sports personality Colin Cowherd. Naturally, that interest translates into broadcasting, as Cunningham has just become a contributor elsewhere.
Cunningham announced that she is joining USA Sports Studio’s WNBA coverage for the upcoming WNBA season. “I’m back baby and with a NEW SQUAAAAD!! I’m joining the @usasports team throughout the year to contribute to studio coverage of @wnba games on @usanetwork. 🏀👊🏼🔥” she wrote. Immediately, worries started to float among Indiana Fever fans about whether she would return to the court. Especially as Cunningham is a free agent in the largest roster shake-up in the history of the WNBA.
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However, according to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, “she will contribute as her playing schedule allows.” So, Cunningham will manage both simultaneously. She has ample experience to become a broadcaster. She did the same in Phoenix when the Suns hired Cunningham in December 2022 to work alongside Tom Leander and Suns Ring of Honor member Tom Chambers as a guest analyst on the pregame and postgame shows as well as halftime analysis. In March, she also hosted Quest Nutrition’s social media series Grand Try, in which the men’s and women’s Team USA rugby teams starred.
“I love talking to people and learning their stories. I love the ‘why,’” Cunningham told SI. “When I get asked to [commentate] for basketball, I know the game, I have the IQ for it. I see plays, I see why they do different schemes. You get to break down these elite level players and why they do what they do. I find it so fascinating, and I understand it. And, for some reason, people like to hear me break it down.”
The Indiana Fever now have three broadcasters on their squad. Clark has now appeared twice on NBC’s NBA coverage. Aliyah Boston was with the Big Ten Network in the past WNBA season and hosts her podcast with Candace Parker too. All three have been well received among the fans and analysts.
“I think it’s really refreshing to work with her because a lot of people that go through formal training to be a broadcaster feel like they have to fit into certain boxes, and she just lets it fly,” Leander said regarding Cunningham at the time. “She reacts to the different topics with just an honesty and an insight that is very unique and enjoyable to hear.”
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Along with the broadcast, Cunningham will contribute to “unique segments and special content across USA Sports’ studio show and social media,” according to Agness. Cunningham is among the most followed WNBA athletes, with more than 3.3 million followers across social media. However, on the court, there is not much certainty for Sophie Cunningham after the Indiana Fever’s latest moves.
Sophie Cunningham’s Indiana Fever Future In Doubt As Franchise Analyzes Free Agency Options
The new CBA presents some contract gymnastics for the Indiana Fever. They have four high-value players to retain and not enough cap to retain them with. With a salary cap of $7 million, the Fever have already sent a core qualifying offer to Kelsey Mitchell. Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston stay on as rookies, with Boston eligible for a max contract because of the EPIC provision in the new CBA. The franchise has also extended a restricted qualifying offer to Lexie Hull. That gives them the right to match any offer that comes to Hull in order to retain her.
Sophie Cunningham’s return amidst this chaos has raised questions. Cunningham is looking for a long-term contract and is up for a big increment to her $100,000 salary from 2025. In addition, her role as a pure shooter from last season could be filled via a more complete player in this free agency.
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“The Sophie decision looms large because of the monetary commitments and the other players that are available,” Robin Lundberg said. “To me, the biggest needs are a big, especially if you can make the big a stretch big. There’s one on the market who seems intent on leaving her current place: Alana Smith of the Lynx.”
Smith has recently admitted that she is not firmly planted in Minnesota. “I think, like I said, I think it’s about best fit,” Smith said. “You know, I loved Minnesota, but a lot of teams are looking different this year. So, I think I’d be doing a disservice to myself if I wasn’t exploring other opportunities.”
Last year with the Lynx, Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 48.5% from the field and 32.5% from the three-point line. Yes, that is less than what Cunningham (43.2%) gives, but Smith gives Fever much more than shooting. Her rebounding and chance creation are better. At 6’4, she gives Fever more size, which they lacked last season.
So, this free agency is set to shake up the Indiana Fever along with many other teams, but the team has secured their core and are looking to take a step up.