The Indiana Fever have dropped the announcement fans were hoping they wouldn’t, revealing that Sophie Cunningham’s first season with them is over.
Cunningham injured her right knee after Bria Hartley fell on her leg while driving to the rim during Sunday’s game against the Connecticut Sun. It was immediately clear that she was hurt as she clutched her leg and screamed in pain.
Sophie’s mother and sister would call Hartley and the referees out after the incident, lashing out in separate social media posts.
Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an injury during our game at Connecticut on Sunday.
in a corresponding move, we have signed guard Shey Peddy to a 7-day hardship contract and released Kyra Lambert.
more info: https://t.co/pazNkkdbG3 pic.twitter.com/vZUNcQc2Dx
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 19, 2025
Cunningham underwent an MRI on Monday, which picked up a torn MCL. The injury has ruled her out for the rest of the season, following averages of 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists a night, as she played as a part-time starter during Caitlin Clark’s lengthy absence.
“The Indiana Fever announced today that guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season after suffering an injury during the team’s game at the Connecticut Sun on Sunday afternoon,” the team announced via their official website on Tuesday.
Cunningham had a bold three-word message for her teammates after the injury, showing remarkable resolve after being helped off the court, but she will no longer be able to contribute.
This latest setback marks the third season-ending injury for the Fever’s backcourt in less than two weeks, with guards Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson also going down. Clark, meanwhile, is still sidelined.
The Fever have reacted to the injury by signing veteran guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship deal while releasing Kyra Lambert.
There are also suggestions that Bria Hartley meant to hurt Sophie Cunningham based on a curious photo.
Cunningham is expected to make a full recovery and will remain an important presence in the team’s locker room. However, this development comes at a critical time for the Fever, who are looking to make a push for the playoffs with less than a month left in the regular season.
