Sophie Cunningham might not be the busiest WNBA star during the offseason. Still, she had substantial success with her public appearances, new commercials, and even with her signature basketball event at Columbia.
Cunningham already honored military personnel & families with discounted tickets at her fourth annual basketball tournament. The gesture quickly went viral as fans praised the Fever star for her initiative. It also reflected on the court for the forwards who enjoyed the great opening day of her event.
Sophie Cunningham Reflects On Successful Signature Event
After joining the Indiana franchise in 2025, the former Phoenix Mercury star was one of the fan favorites among the Fever stars. Her play and ferocious attitude on the floor won over many fans. This fan following translated well into her new sponsorship deals and her social media engagement.
Now, as the player held her annual ‘Sophie Cunningham Classic’ event at the Southwell Complex, Columbia College, fans showed up in huge numbers. The star was excited with the response. In the interview, she said, “We have good group so far, and the crowd has been great.”
Watch my full live interview with #Mizzou legend Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) at day one of the Sophie Cunningham Classic (@sophiecclassic)
— Nathalie Jones (@NathalieABC17) January 10, 2026
"We want them to leave here thinking they can do anything."
Outstanding event put on by the Cunningham family 👏 pic.twitter.com/oAFrlle1VK
She also highlighted that she is looking to pass on the opportunities to young girls, as she got a bigger platform with the WNBA and the Fever franchise. She managed to rope in her sponsors for the event, too, which made it an even bigger success.
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The star organizes a tournament for female athletes and will run for three days. In the 2026 edition, the Sophie Cunningham Classic games will start from January 9 to January 11.
Such huge popularity and fan following are not limited to the event only. The star also received support from Fever fans, who urged the franchise to sign Cunningham to a multi-year deal. But it seems pretty impossible at the moment with the Fever’s decision for the expansion draft and free agency market.
Sophie Cunningham Might Have Played Her Last Game For the Indiana Fever
The Fever franchise had many star players on its roster in the 2025 season, enabling it to reach the semifinals of the season. While the franchise enjoyed success with the deep, talented roster, the reality hit them hard when only three players remained on their books at the end of the season, and the side had to choose between their impactful players for the upcoming seasons.
Sophie Cunningham already highlighted her requirement of a high salary and a multi-year deal to sign for the next WNBA team. While the CBA terms might impact these decisions, the side also put Lexie Hull ahead of the former Missouri star in the expansion draft protected players list.
Considering her usability and versatility, Cunningham will easily be a top target in the expansion draft and also in free agency. This hints at the possibility of SC’s final season at the Indiana franchise.