Sophie Cunningham is an American professional basketball player best known as a guard for the Indiana Fever of the Women’s National Basketball Association. She previously spent six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before joining Indiana.
Born on August 16, 1996, Cunningham has built a reputation for three-point shooting, physical play and an outspoken personality. Her growing profile has also expanded beyond basketball through broadcasting, endorsements, podcasting and other media opportunities.
Quick Facts About Sophie Cunningham
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham |
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1996 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Columbia, Missouri, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional basketball player |
| Position | Guard |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Current Team | Indiana Fever |
| Jersey Number | 8 |
| College | University of Missouri |
| WNBA Draft | 2019, Round 2, Pick 13 |
| Drafted By | Phoenix Mercury |
| WNBA Career | 2019–present |
| Parents | Jim and Paula Cunningham |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $2 million |
Sophie Cunningham Early Life and Family
Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham was born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri. She grew up in a sports-oriented family where athletics played an important role from an early age.
Her parents are Jim and Paula Cunningham, both of whom had athletic connections to the University of Missouri. Her father played college football at Missouri, helping create a competitive sporting environment within the family.
Cunningham developed into a multi-sport athlete while growing up. Basketball eventually became her main focus, but she also competed in volleyball and even spent time as a kicker for her high school football team.
Sophie Cunningham Education and High School Career
Cunningham attended Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri. She became one of the school’s standout athletes and established herself as one of the leading girls’ basketball prospects in the state.
Her performances helped Rock Bridge achieve major success during her high school career. Cunningham’s talent earned her national recognition, including selection as a McDonald’s All-American in 2015.
She chose to remain close to home for college and committed to the University of Missouri. The decision allowed her to continue a strong family connection with the university.
Sophie Cunningham College Basketball Career
Cunningham played for the Missouri Tigers women’s basketball team from 2015 to 2019. She quickly became one of the programme’s most important players.
During her freshman season, she earned SEC Freshman of the Year honours. Cunningham continued improving and eventually became a three-time First-Team All-SEC selection.
She finished her Missouri career with averages of approximately 17 points, 5.4 rebounds and three assists per game across 129 starts. Her scoring ability and competitive style established her as one of the programme’s most recognisable players.
By her senior season, Cunningham had also earned All-America recognition. Her college success positioned her for a professional career in the WNBA.
Sophie Cunningham WNBA Career
The Phoenix Mercury selected Sophie Cunningham with the 13th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft.
She spent her first six WNBA seasons with Phoenix. During that period, Cunningham developed from a reserve player into a dependable rotation contributor known particularly for outside shooting.
Her role increased over time, and she became capable of starting games while contributing both offensively and defensively. Cunningham also gained playoff experience during her years with the Mercury.
Before the 2025 season, she moved to the Indiana Fever as part of a multi-team trade. Joining Indiana placed her alongside players including Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.
Cunningham appeared in 30 games during the 2025 season before suffering a right knee MCL injury that ended her campaign. She averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting a career-best 43.2% from three-point range.
The Fever brought Cunningham back for the 2026 WNBA season on a new one-year contract. She continues to wear No. 8 for Indiana.
Sophie Cunningham’s Growing Popularity
Cunningham’s profile increased significantly after joining the Indiana Fever. Her aggressive playing style and willingness to defend teammates helped make her one of the team’s most discussed players.
A particularly physical 2025 game against the Connecticut Sun attracted widespread attention and helped Cunningham gain a much larger social-media audience.
Her increased visibility has created opportunities beyond the basketball court. Cunningham has attracted endorsement partnerships and developed a stronger presence in sports media.
She has also worked as a basketball analyst and co-hosts the Show Me Something podcast. These projects have helped broaden her career beyond WNBA competition.
Sophie Cunningham Personal Life
Sophie Cunningham generally keeps many details about her private relationships outside the public spotlight. No marriage or husband has been publicly confirmed through reliable sources.
She remains closely associated with her Missouri roots and has frequently spoken about the importance of her family. Her upbringing in an athletic household helped shape the competitive personality seen throughout her basketball career.
Cunningham has also spoken publicly about her Christian faith. In 2026, she chose to be baptised again as an adult, describing it as a personal decision to reaffirm her faith on her own terms.
Sophie Cunningham Net Worth and Earnings
Sophie Cunningham’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $2 million in 2026. However, no authoritative public financial statement confirms her exact personal wealth.
Her income comes primarily from professional basketball contracts. She has also earned money through sponsorships, endorsement agreements, broadcasting work, podcasting and other commercial opportunities.
Cunningham’s earning potential is expanding further. She has committed to participate in Project B, an international women’s basketball venture scheduled to begin in late 2026 that is expected to offer participating players significant compensation and equity opportunities.
Because private investments, endorsement payments and expenses are not fully public, the $2 million net worth figure should be regarded as an estimate rather than an exact amount.
Sophie Cunningham’s Career and Rising Profile
The Sophie Cunningham biography reflects a journey from a hometown basketball star in Columbia to an established WNBA player with a growing national profile.
Her career has included four standout years at Missouri, six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury and a new chapter with the Indiana Fever. At the same time, broadcasting, podcasting and endorsement opportunities have expanded her influence beyond basketball.
At 30 years old, Cunningham remains an active Indiana Fever guard in 2026. Her combination of shooting ability, competitive personality and increasing media presence continues to make her one of the more recognisable players in women’s professional basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham is an American professional basketball player who plays guard for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. She previously spent six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury.
Q2: How old is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham is 30 years old as of August 16, 2026. She was born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri.
Q3: What is Sophie Cunningham’s net worth in 2026?
Sophie Cunningham’s net worth is widely estimated at around $2 million. However, her exact wealth has not been publicly confirmed, so the figure should be treated as an estimate.
Q4: Is Sophie Cunningham married?
There is no reliably confirmed public information showing that Sophie Cunningham is married. She generally keeps details of her romantic life relatively private.
Q5: What team does Sophie Cunningham play for?
Sophie Cunningham plays for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. She joined the Fever before the 2025 season after spending her first six WNBA seasons with the Phoenix Mercury.
Q6: Where did Sophie Cunningham go to college?
Sophie Cunningham attended the University of Missouri, where she played for the Missouri Tigers from 2015 to 2019. She became a three-time First-Team All-SEC selection during her college career.
Q7: How tall is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham is 6 feet 1 inch tall. Her size, shooting ability and physical playing style allow her to contribute at multiple perimeter positions.
