VIRAL SENSATION: Indiana Fever Star Sophie Cunningham SETS SOCIAL MEDIA ABLAZE With Her SEDUCTIVE TWERKING After Commissioner’s Cup Victory
On the night of July 1, 2025, the Indiana Fever etched their name in franchise history with a commanding 74–59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final. The win, a testament to the team’s grit and depth, was a milestone for a franchise still rebuilding around young talent. However, the post-game spotlight didn’t linger on the scoreline or even the $500,000 prize pool the team would split. Instead, it was Fever guard Sophie Cunningham who stole the show, igniting social media with a spontaneous and bold celebration that had fans buzzing. Her brief but electric twerking moment, captured on a teammate’s Instagram Live, became an instant viral sensation, dividing the internet and amplifying the Fever’s historic triumph.
A Historic Victory for the Fever
The Indiana Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win was no small feat. Facing a Minnesota Lynx team with the best record in the league, the Fever were 10.5-point underdogs, made even more vulnerable by the absence of All-Star point guard Caitlin Clark, sidelined for her third straight game with a groin injury. Despite an early 13-point deficit, Indiana mounted a ferocious comeback, fueled by an 18–0 run in the second quarter that flipped the game in their favor. Natasha Howard, the unanimous Cup MVP, led with 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals, anchoring a stifling defense that held the Lynx to a season-low 34.9% shooting. All-Star center Aliyah Boston contributed a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald each added 12 points.
Sophie Cunningham, coming off the bench, was a sparkplug. The 28-year-old guard delivered 13 points, seven rebounds, and three three-pointers, including a clutch shot in the fourth quarter that silenced a late Lynx rally. Her performance was a reminder of her value as a high-energy role player, a reputation she’s been building since joining the Fever in a four-team trade from the Phoenix Mercury ahead of the 2025 season. But it was what happened after the final buzzer that turned Cunningham into the night’s biggest storyline.
The Twerk Heard ‘Round the WNBA
As the Fever celebrated their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup title in the locker room, the mood was electric. Players danced, popped champagne, and livestreamed the festivities on Instagram, with teammate Sydney Colson behind the camera. That’s when Cunningham seized the moment. Stepping into the frame, she turned her back to the camera, dropped low, and unleashed a brief but confident twerk that sent her teammates into cheers and laughter. The clip, quickly shared on platforms like X and TikTok, exploded online, racking up over 1.5 million views in a matter of hours.
The internet’s reaction was predictably polarized. Some fans celebrated Cunningham’s unapologetic flair, with one X user commenting, “Now this is how you get WNBA viewership up.” Others were less impressed, with detractors questioning the appropriateness of the celebration. One X post read, “Why is this the go-to for so many women? I don’t get it. No matter what happens they have to do this dumb shit.” Another user took a jab, writing, “Oh, you think you’ve seen some moves? That’s cute. I’ve seen better crossover plays in a kindergarten playground.” Despite the mixed reviews, there was no denying the moment’s impact. Cunningham’s twerk didn’t just go viral—it kept the Fever’s victory in the headlines, a boon for a league still vying for mainstream attention.
Cunningham’s Rise to Stardom
This wasn’t Cunningham’s first brush with viral fame. Since joining the Fever, the former Missouri Tiger has carved out a niche as a fan favorite, both for her on-court tenacity and her off-court charisma. Earlier in the season, she made waves for defending teammate Caitlin Clark during a heated game against the Connecticut Sun, where she was ejected after shoving Jacy Sheldon in retaliation for a foul on Clark. That moment, coupled with her pregame fashion posts and playful TikTok videos, has skyrocketed her social media following to over 1 million on TikTok and nearly as many on Instagram. Her Indiana Fever jersey has even sold out online, a testament to her growing popularity.
Cunningham’s celebratory twerk was in character for a player who’s embraced her role as the Fever’s “hype queen.” Her bold personality and willingness to lean into the spotlight have made her a polarizing yet undeniable force. As one fan put it, “She twerked like the trophy depended on it!” Whether it’s rocking a cowboy bikini in a throwback Instagram post or lip-syncing to Sydney Sweeney on TikTok, Cunningham knows how to keep fans engaged.
What’s Next for the Fever and Cunningham?
The Commissioner’s Cup, while a midseason tournament that doesn’t affect regular-season standings, carries significant weight. Beyond the $500,000 prize pool, it signals the Fever’s emergence as a contender. With young stars like Clark, Boston, and Mitchell, and veterans like Howard, the team is building a culture of resilience and swagger. Cunningham’s contributions—both her 13-point performance and her viral celebration—underscore her role in that transformation.
As for what happened next, the Fever didn’t have much time to revel in their victory. They faced the Las Vegas Aces on July 3, 2025, in a highly anticipated matchup. Cunningham, likely still riding the high of her viral moment, continued to draw attention, both for her play and her knack for keeping the Fever in the public eye. Whether she’s draining threes or sparking debates online, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham is a name WNBA fans won’t forget anytime soon.
In a league where highlights and hashtags often travel faster than box scores, Cunningham’s twerk was more than a fleeting moment—it was a statement. For better or worse, it ensured the Fever’s historic win stayed in the conversation, proving that in 2025, Cunningham is as much a cultural force as she is a basketball player.
