Sophie Cunningham is now an unrestricted free agent after the Las Vegas Aces eliminated the Indiana Fever in the first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs. Indiana's series campaign ended with a 94-83 loss in Game 3 on Thursday night at Michelob Ultra Arena. Now, one of the team's most recognizable faces has a major decision to make in the offseason.
How Did Cunningham's 2026 Deal With the Fever Play Out?
Cunningham was still recovering from the MCL tear she suffered in 2025 when she signed a one-year, $665,000 contract with the Fever ahead of the 2026 season. Without the chance to work out for other teams during the offseason, Indiana became her clearest path back to the court, and she made the most of it.
The 30-year-old guard averaged 7.9 points per game on 46% shooting while connecting on 41.9% of her 3-pointers, establishing herself as Indiana top bench scorer across 43 regular-season games.
Before joining the Fever, Cunningham spent six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. That experience, paired with her perimeter shooting and physical defense filled a clear need on a roster still building around star Caitlin Clark.
Starting Minutes, Off-Court Controversy Cloud Cunningham's Future
This season though, Cunningham started just three games for Indiana. She also courted controversy, sharing anti-trans athlete sentiments that stoked rallies and protests ahead of multiple Fever games.
But Indiana faces a busy offseason beyond their veteran sharpshooter. Kelsey Mitchell, Tyasha Harris, Myisha Hines-Allen, and Mercedes Russell are also set to enter free agency, forcing the team to make some tough roster decisions before next year.
