.In a move that electrifies Gainbridge Fieldhouse and bolsters their championship aspirations, the Indiana Fever have re-signed fan-favorite guard Sophie Cunningham to a one-year contract extension, keeping the “Enforcer” in blue and gold for the 2026 WNBA season. The deal, reportedly in the $120,000 range, ensures Cunningham’s return just months after a heartbreaking knee injury sidelined her during the Fever’s gritty playoff run.
Cunningham, 29, joined Indiana in a blockbuster four-team trade from the Phoenix Mercury in February 2025, bringing her trademark tenacity and sharpshooting to a roster headlined by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Dubbed “The Enforcer” for her fearless drives and lockdown defense—averaging 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 30 games before her injury—Cunningham quickly became the team’s vocal leader. “Sophie’s the heartbeat of our locker room,” said Fever coach Stephanie White. “She sets the tone with her grit and lifts everyone up.”
The 2019 first-round pick out of Missouri endured a rollercoaster rookie year in Indy, flashing her All-Star potential in preseason explosions before an ankle tweak delayed her debut. By midseason, she was indispensable, dishing dimes to Clark’s lasers and clamping opponents in crunch time. But disaster struck on August 17 against the Connecticut Sun: a brutal collision tore her right MCL, ending her campaign prematurely. Indiana, plagued by injuries to Clark, Sydney Colson, and others, battled to the WNBA semifinals, falling in overtime to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5. Cunningham watched from the sidelines, her fire undimmed, vowing a fiercer comeback on her “Show Me Something” podcast.
Recovery has been relentless. Post-surgery in late August, Cunningham dove into rehab, crediting Clark’s encouragement—”Caitlin told me straight up, ‘Run it back with us'”—for fueling her drive. Off the court, she’s expanded her brand, guest-hosting ESPN segments and launching a youth clinic series in Indianapolis, endearing herself further to Fever Nation. “This city’s energy? It’s addictive,” she said post-signing. “I’m not just playing here—I’m building something.”
The extension locks in a core of Clark, Boston, and now Cunningham, signaling GM Amber Cox’s vision for contention. With free agency looming for others, this re-up stabilizes the backcourt. As training camp nears in May, expect Cunningham patrolling the paint like a hawk, enforcing wins one hustle play at a time. Welcome back, Enforcer—Indiana’s ready to roar.
