Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has quietly enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of her WNBA career in 2026. After re-signing with Indiana during the offseason, the veteran has continued to prove why the franchise wanted her back and remains a key part of Stephanie White’s rotation.
Cunningham is currently having one of the strongest bench campaigns in the WNBA. Through 19 games, the 29-year-old is averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range.
She’ll look to continue that form when the Fever visit the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday.
Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Despite her impressive season, however, Cunningham received disappointing news when the WNBA announced its 2026 All-Star Game reserves on Tuesday.
The final 12 reserve selections were Sonia Citron, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Marina Mabrey, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Courtney Williams, Angel Reese, Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, Kiki Iriafen and Dominique Malonga, leaving Cunningham off the roster despite her strong case as one of the league’s most impactful reserve players.
The lineup was picked by the WNBA’s 15 head coaches, who each voted for three guards, five frontcourt players and four players at either position. The coaches voted regardless of the conference and were not allowed to vote for their own players.
The omission is another letdown for Cunningham who has never been selected as an All-Star in her eight seasons.
Cunningham has already delivered several standout performances this year, scoring in double figures nine times, including a season-high 24 points against the Toronto Tempo on June 16. She also scored 17 points against the Seattle Storm on May 17, her first game coming off the bench in 2026.
While missing out on an All-Star selection is undoubtedly disappointing, Cunningham remains well positioned to receive recognition at the end of the season. Her production off the bench this season has made her one of the leading contenders for the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award. If Cunningham maintains her current level of play, she could end this season with an individual award.
