Sophie Cunningham’s Shocking Fall: Is This the Biggest Rookie Meltdown in WNBA History?
Indianapolis, IN – Just five minutes ago, news broke that Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever’s high-profile guard acquired in an offseason trade, has been dropped from the team’s starting lineup. The announcement sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, but sources close to the team suggest this is only the tip of the iceberg. Behind closed doors, the Fever’s locker room is reportedly in disarray, with Cunningham at the center of a storm that could mark one of the most dramatic rookie meltdowns in league history. Is her career teetering on the edge, or can she claw her way back?
Cunningham, a 2019 second-round pick from the Phoenix Mercury, arrived in Indiana with high expectations. Known for her aggressive play and defensive tenacity, she was expected to complement star rookie Caitlin Clark and help elevate the Fever to playoff contention. However, her 2025 season has been anything but smooth. In 16 games, Cunningham’s shooting has been erratic, averaging just 10 points per game on a dismal 38% field goal percentage. Her three-point shooting, once a strength, has plummeted to 29%, a far cry from her college days at Missouri, where she was a standout scorer.
On the court, Cunningham’s struggles have been glaring. During a recent 85-75 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on June 26, she managed only 10 points while being outplayed in the fourth quarter, where the Fever were outscored 35-17. Fans and analysts have pointed to her inability to adapt to the Fever’s fast-paced system, with missed shots and turnovers piling up at critical moments. “She’s trying to do too much,” one analyst noted. “Her aggressive style is backfiring, and it’s costing the team.”
Off the court, the situation is reportedly even worse. Cunningham’s candid postgame comments have raised eyebrows, hinting at deeper issues within the Fever’s locker room. After the Sparks loss, she admitted that players are on “their own islands,” suggesting a lack of cohesion among teammates. Sources indicate that her outspoken nature, while initially seen as leadership, has created friction with veterans like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. “Sophie’s trying to establish herself as the enforcer, but it’s alienating some of her teammates,” an insider revealed. Her defense of Caitlin Clark during a heated altercation with the Connecticut Sun on June 17—where she was ejected for a flagrant foul—has further polarized the team. While some fans praised her loyalty, others see it as reckless.
Whispers of “secret talks” about cutting ties with Cunningham have begun to surface. The Fever’s front office, already under pressure after waiving two-time champion DeWanna Bonner, is reportedly evaluating whether Cunningham’s presence is worth the turmoil. Her $400 fine for the Sun incident and subsequent social media controversies, including a viral bikini post that drew attention away from the team, have not helped her case. “The organization is frustrated,” a source close to management said. “They expected a spark plug, not a lightning rod.”
Cunningham’s supporters argue she’s being unfairly targeted. “She’s playing through adversity,” one fan posted on X. “The Fever’s injuries and tough schedule aren’t her fault.” Indeed, Caitlin Clark’s groin injury and inconsistent lineup changes have disrupted the team’s rhythm. Cunningham herself has leaned into this narrative, stating, “We are circled on everybody’s schedule. No one likes us.” Yet, her “no one likes us” mantra risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, as opponents seem to relish exploiting the Fever’s vulnerabilities.
Is this the end for Cunningham in Indiana? Not necessarily. Her win against the Dallas Wings on June 27 showed flashes of her potential, with 12 points and four steals. However, with the Fever facing the Minnesota Lynx next, the pressure is on. If Cunningham can’t turn things around, she risks being remembered not as a breakout star but as a cautionary tale of a rookie who burned too bright, too fast. The WNBA has seen meltdowns before, but this one might just take the crown.
