Sophie Cunningham’s Viral Twerk Steals the Spotlight After Indiana Fever’s Historic Commissioner’s Cup Win

On 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 triumph, a testament to the team’s grit and depth, was a moment of pride for Indianapolis. Yet, it was a brief, electrifying moment in the locker room that captured the internet’s attention: Sophie Cunningham, the Fever’s fiery guard, turned to a teammate’s Instagram Live, dropped low, and delivered a celebratory twerk that sent social media into a frenzy. The clip, lasting mere seconds, has since racked up millions of views, sparking both adoration and controversy.

A Game-Changing Victory

The Commissioner’s Cup, a midseason WNBA tournament, offered more than just bragging rights—a $500,000 prize pool was split among the winning team, a significant financial boost for players. Despite the absence of All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, sidelined by a groin injury, the Fever showcased their resilience. Trailing by 13 points early in the second quarter, they mounted an 18–0 run, fueled by Natasha Howard’s 16 points and 12 rebounds, earning her the unanimous Cup MVP. Aliyah Boston and Aari McDonald each added 12 points, while Cunningham contributed 13, including a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter that silenced a late Lynx rally.

The Fever’s victory was a statement. No longer just “Caitlin Clark’s team,” they proved their depth and defensive prowess, holding the Lynx—owners of the league’s best record—to a season-low 34.9% shooting. But as the final buzzer sounded and champagne popped, it was Cunningham’s postgame antics that stole the show.

The Twerk Heard ‘Round the Internet

In the locker room, as teammates danced and laughed on Instagram Live, Cunningham seized the moment. Turning her back to the camera, she executed a brief but bold twerk, drawing cheers from her teammates, including a smiling Caitlin Clark, who got an unexpected bump from Cunningham’s moves. The clip, posted by accounts like BricksCenter on X, exploded with over 1.5 million views, captioned, “Sophie Cunningham twerking after winning the Cup 😭.” Fans flooded the comments, with one writing, “Now this is how you get WNBA viewership up,” while another quipped, “She twerked like the trophy depended on it!”

Cunningham, a 28-year-old Missouri alum and seven-year WNBA veteran, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for her on-court intensity, she’s earned the nickname “Spicy Sophie” and, more recently, “the Enforcer” after defending Clark in a scuffle against the Connecticut Sun last month. That incident, where she shoved Jacy Sheldon to the floor after Sheldon poked Clark in the eye, saw her jersey sales soar and her TikTok followers surpass 1 million. Her latest viral moment only cemented her status as a fan favorite.

A Polarizing Celebration

The twerk divided the internet. Supporters celebrated Cunningham’s unapologetic energy, seeing it as a joyful expression of victory. “She’s bringing the vibes and the WNBA needs this!” one X user posted. Others, however, were less impressed. “Why is this the go-to for so many women? I don’t get it,” one detractor wrote, echoing sentiments that labeled the move as “attention-seeking.” Another X post jabbed, “I’ve seen better crossover plays in a kindergarten playground.” The debate raged online, with some arguing it distracted from the Fever’s achievement, while others saw it as a boost for the league’s visibility.

Cunningham’s social media stardom isn’t new. Since joining the Fever in a four-team trade in January 2025, she’s leveraged her bold personality to amass over 775,000 Instagram followers and 1 million on TikTok. Her posts, from cheeky lip-syncs to game-day swagger, consistently go viral, with a recent pantsless TikTok captioned “Depends what team you’re on” racking up millions of views. Marketing experts estimate her social growth could command over $1 million in brand deals, far outpacing the $400 fine she received for the Sun incident.

More Than a Viral Moment

While Cunningham’s twerk dominated headlines, it underscored a broader narrative: the Fever’s rise as a WNBA powerhouse. The team’s ability to win without Clark signaled a cultural shift, proving their depth and versatility. Cunningham’s 13 points, seven rebounds, and 66% shooting in the final were critical, particularly her game-sealing three. Her off-court charisma, while polarizing, keeps the Fever in the conversation, amplifying the league’s reach in a media landscape where attention is hard-won.

Critics like Connecticut’s coach Rachid Meziane, who once called her actions “disrespectful,” may balk, but Cunningham remains unapologetic. “I’m here to play hard and have fun,” she told reporters post-game, addressing her dance indirectly. Her teammate Clark, though absent from the court, joined the celebration, her playful reaction to Cunningham’s twerk adding levity to the moment.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1940267397098987988 (link)

A Star on and Off the Court

Cunningham’s viral twerk, while fleeting, has become a cultural touchstone, sparking debates about celebration, femininity, and visibility in women’s sports. For every critic, there’s a fan praising her for bringing personality to a league striving for mainstream attention. As the Fever gear up for the rest of the 2025 season, Cunningham’s energy—on the court and in the locker room—ensures she’ll remain a lightning rod for both adoration and scrutiny. Her dance may have lasted seconds, but its impact, like the Fever’s victory, will resonate far longer.