Sophie Cunningham was a sensation in her first year at the Indiana Fever. That is true on and off the court. On the court, Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting a career high 46.9% from the field and 43.2% from the three-point line. Her aggressive and competitive demeanor won over the fans, and her relationship with Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull was the cherry on the cake. The offseason brings doubt over her potential return to the franchise since she is a free agent, and her latest Indiana appearance has reignited the fan requests.

Currently, however, there will be no free agency moves. The WNBA and the WNBPA have signed a moratorium after the initial CBA deadline of January 9 passed without agreement. Since we are in the status quo, the two sides have now essentially paused the free agency period. It includes qualifying offers, core designations, signings, and negotiations. When a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified, the moratorium will cease.

However, that doesn’t stop fans from continuing the onslaught on their franchise to re-sign Sophie Cunningham, under any condition. That was amplified after Cunningham attended the recent Indiana Pacers game against the Boston Celtics. Sophie Cunningham in the house sitting courtside for tonight’s @Pacers game ❤️‍🔥,” Wrote the official Indiana Fever account. Cunningham was on the sidelines as Pascal Siakam scored the winner with 6.8 seconds left to propel the Pacers to a 98-96 victory.

Indiana Fever Fans Amplify Chants for a Sophie Cunningham Return

“BRING BACK SOPHIE!!!!” appealed a fan in all-caps. Cunningham and her popularity have jumped since joining the Fever, especially after that Jacy Sheldon debacle. She has earned the tag of the ‘protector,’ and her fire gives this team an edge that few other players would. At least, that is the perspective of some fans. They feel the Indiana Fever should do whatever it takes to re-sign the wing.

“Aww. Now give her a 10-year contract worth $25 million, with $10 million guaranteed. Plus weekly tanning sessions at a spa of her choosing,” wrote a fan. Well, that is obviously an exaggeration. The realistic numbers are very different. The current reported estimation puts max salaries at around $1.3 million in Year 1 and growing to nearly $2 million over the course of the deal.

The average is estimated at $530,000 and increasing to more than $770,000 by the deal’s end. Cunningham is looking for a deal at the higher end “to buy a house” and for a longer term. Her 2026 salary would likely be closer to a million as the WNBPA continues to negotiate on the revenue share.

“Sophie Cunningham back at Gainbridge. She signed that contract?” Asked one. As we discussed earlier, she legally can’t. The moratorium was required to be agreed upon because, according to USA Today, the free agency technically had started. However, from the recent comments, it seems she is eager to sign on.

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“We all had a vision of what this team could be. We kept the main thing, that’s winning basketball games. When we all started going down, our team just got closer and closer. Hopefully, we can keep our core together and go get a championship together,” she told Natalie Jones when asked about Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and the culture at the Indiana Fever.

She could be the experienced 3 and -D wing that the Fever just need to build on their young core of Clark and Aliyah Boston, and challenge for the title. The team chemistry was already evident last year, and there is no reason, according to the fans, to change that. While most begged Fever to re-sign the star, some noticed her outfit as well.

“Like the Chanel jacket and bag. Nice,” wrote a fan. Cunningham’s outfits have been on point for the occasion almost all the time, and this was no exception. She paired a black quilted leather Chanel jacket with a crisp white square-neck. The outfit is grounded with light-wash, wide-leg jeans, keeping the vibe relaxed. Tortoiseshell-style glasses and small hoop earrings with layered, delicate necklaces, including a cross pendant, added a personal touch. The stacked bracelets, a red wristband, a black quilted Chanel crossbody bag with a chain strap, and a logo clasp complete the outfit.