Sophie Cunningham is one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball. Fans of the Phoenix Mercury know her for her fiery gameplay, while Indiana Fever supporters now cheer for her as a vital addition to their roster. Beyond the court, many also remember her as an analyst for the Phoenix Suns, where she shared her insights and passion for the game.
Cunningham’s journey from a young athlete in Missouri to a professional guard in the WNBA is inspiring. She is more than just a player; she is a role model who motivates young talents to chase their dreams. Let’s take a closer look at her life, career, and the lesser-known details about this basketball star.
Quick Profile of Sophie Cunningham
| Information | Details |
| Full Name | Sophie Cunningham |
| Position | Guard |
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1996 |
| Age | 28 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6’1’’ (1.85m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Hometown | Columbia, Missouri, USA |
| Current Team | Indiana Fever |
| WNBA Debut | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million (approx.) |
| Salary | $100,000 (2025 season) |
Early Life and Family
Born to Jim and Paula Cunningham, Sophie grew up in a household filled with sports. Her father played college football, while her mother excelled in track and field. Both studied at the University of Missouri, a path Sophie later followed too.
Her elder sister, Lindsey Cunningham, was also a basketball player at Missouri, making athletics a family tradition. Encouraged from an early age, Sophie sharpened her skills and passion for the game, preparing herself for the big stage.
High School Success
At Rock Bridge High School, Sophie built her reputation as a winner. She led her team to four straight state championships, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,983 points. By her senior year, she was averaging strong numbers in rebounds, assists, and steals.
Her performance brought her national recognition, earning honors like:
- McDonald’s All-American (2015)
- Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year (2014)
- Miss Show-Me Basketball co-winner (2015)
College Career at Missouri
Cunningham carried her talent to the University of Missouri, where she quickly became a standout player. Across four years, she averaged 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Her college achievements include:
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)
- SEC All-Freshman Team (2016)
- Three-time First-Team All-SEC (2017–2019)
- Third-Team All-American (2019)
She also guided the Tigers to several NCAA Tournament appearances, proving her leadership qualities early on.
Sophie Cunningham Professional Career in the WNBA
Sophie was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019. Known for her shooting ability and tough defensive presence, she became an important role player during her six seasons with the team.
Her breakout year came in 2021, when she helped lead the Mercury to the WNBA Finals. Although they fell short against the Chicago Sky, Cunningham’s grit and energy earned her respect from fans and teammates alike.
In 2025, Sophie was traded to the Indiana Fever in a multi-team deal. Joining forces with rising star Caitlin Clark gave her career a new spark, as Fever fans welcomed her determination and experience.
Sophie Cunningham Career Stats Overview
| Year | Team | Games Played | FG% | RPG | APG | PPG |
| 2019 | Mercury | 32 | .354 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 3.1 |
| 2020 | Mercury | 21 | .385 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 5.0 |
| 2021 | Mercury | 30 | .437 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 5.6 |
| 2022 | Mercury | 28 | .449 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 12.6 |
| 2023 | Mercury | 31 | .413 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 11.3 |
| 2024 | Mercury | 40 | .429 | 3.9 | 2.0 | 8.4 |
Career Average: 182 games, 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists per game.
Sophie Cunningham Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Sophie Cunningham’s net worth is around $1.5 million. Most of her earnings come from her WNBA contracts, overseas stints, and brand endorsements. She signed a one-year, $100,000 contract extension in 2025 after earning $120,000 the previous year.
Sophie Cunningham Social Media and Popularity
Sophie has a large following on Instagram (@sophie_cham) with over 470K fans. She often shares basketball moments, travel stories, and personal updates. On X (formerly Twitter), she has 82K followers, where she connects with fans and posts about her games and life as an athlete.
Her growing influence makes her one of the more marketable stars in women’s basketball today.
Achievements and Recognition
Though she hasn’t yet won a WNBA championship or MVP, Sophie’s career is filled with accolades that highlight her consistency and dedication:
- Third-Team All-American (2019)
- 3× First-Team All-SEC (2017–2019)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2016)
- McDonald’s All-American (2015)
Fun Facts
- Sophie wears jersey number 8 for the Indiana Fever.
- She has played overseas in Australia and Turkey to sharpen her skills.
- She mostly wears Adidas shoes on the court, with Adidas Dame 8 and Exhibit Select Low being her go-to sneakers.
- Basketball runs in her family, with her parents and sister also excelling in athletics.
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