Sophie Cunningham has been one of the most popular players in the WNBA over the past year. In fact, she was the most-searched WNBA player in 2025, surpassing her Indiana Fever teammate Caitlin Clark.
Cunningham, who averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals in the past season, established herself as a key member of the Fever. Not only did she serve as an enforcer for the team, but she was also a reliable backup guard off the bench.
During the Commissioner's Cup championship, Cunningham recorded 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench to help the Fever beat the Minnesota Lynx, 74-59.
Cunningham has taken advantage of her massive rise in popularity by starting her own podcast and signing a number of endorsement deals with brands like Arby's, Ring and Sun Cruiser, among others.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, the 29-year-old guard made headlines after she revealed another off-court project. Cunningham was tabbed by Sports Illustrated to be a swimsuit model for its upcoming issue.
Cunningham and Sports Illustrated shared a photo of the WNBA player posing in a white swimsuit, which quickly drew plenty of attention. Her Fever teammates Lexie Hull, Aerial Powers and Mikayla Timpson were quick to react to the development.
Another player who couldn't hold back her delight was Chloe Bibby, who was in full support of Cunningham.
"Gurllll I just dropped me phone," Bibby wrote, along with fire and heart-eyes emojis.
Bibby was part of the Fever last season and played nine games for the team before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Unfortunately, Bibby won't be part of Indiana in 2026 after she was taken by the Portland Fire in the WNBA expansion draft.
Regardless, it's clear that she and Cunningham have developed a close bond during their brief time together.
