Sophie Cunningham’s season might’ve been cut short by an MCL tear, and even after dealing with a few stubborn side effects, her knee still isn’t a hundred percent! Yet, that hasn’t stopped her from making the most of her offseason. She’ll be off to Florida, while lighting up her Show Me Something pod with her next stop already set: a guest appearance at the ANNIKA pro-am alongside Caitlin Clark. Still, amid all those commitments, she’s made time for something that truly matters.

We’re talking about showing up courtside to support the Indiana Pacers. Dressed in a black tee, black leather jacket, and blue jeans, Sophie was there in true Spicy Soph fashion. And yes, how could you ignore that wide smile? It’s practically impossible to miss in the picture posted on the Fever’s official X account!

The WNBA star reposted the picture on an Instagram story, captioning, “Go pace pappi’s.”

“Courtside vibe,” Indy wrote below their own post. Indeed, it was a true “vibe” as she cheered, hyped, and represented Indy’s basketball culture with pride. The Pacers surely appreciated the support, especially after the team was hit hard, with nine of their eighteen total players on the injury list, including Tyrese Haliburton, TJ McConnell, Kam Jones, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Andrew Nembhard, Johnny Furphy, and Quenton Jackson. 

While they added Mac McClung on a non-guaranteed multi-year contract, it wasn’t enough to lift the injury-riddled roster, as Indy fell 103–112 to the Brooklyn Nets. So yes, Sophie Cunningham’s presence courtside was more than symbolic – it was exactly the kind of energy her male counterparts in the state needed. After all, who understands the struggle of an injury-plagued season better than the Fever ladies themselves? That had been the story for Indy all year.

First, their offensive ace, Caitlin Clark, went down with an injury. Then Soph and Syd followed her to the sidelines. And when they made a comeback, and everything was starting to sail smoothly, they once again were on the injured list. To begin with, Syd suffered an ACL tear during Indy’s August 7 game at Phoenix. Then came Aari McDonald, sidelined with a right foot fracture in the same game. 

On August 17th, Sophie too joined the list as she went down with a right knee injury, which was later diagnosed as an MCL tear. Just like that, by the time Indy reached the playoffs, five players were already on the injury list. So, with the Pacers, it feels like a nightmare repeating itself, just with a different roster. That’s why Sophie’s just being there, supporting, makes so much of a difference. But is it the only reason for her courtside appearance?

What’s Sophie Cunningham’s personal reason for supporting the Pacers?

Sophie had been with the Phoenix Mercury since 2019, spending six solid seasons with the team. But after being traded to Indiana last year, she’s quickly found a new place to call home. She connected with Fever and immersed herself in the city’s basketball culture. This wasn’t her first Pacers game. 

Last time, she was spotted courtside at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 of the Finals between the Pacers and the OKC Thunder. Back then, she was accompanied by Lexie Hull, Aari McDonald, and Makayla Timpson; the trio was surrounded by an electric crowd that watched Indy take down OKC.

This time, though, she seems to be returning the favor with her presence in today’s game. It all comes up as Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ star guard, showed up for the Fever’s July 7 game against the LA Sparks, less than two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon. 

Top Stories

NFL Make Final Punishment Decision on Controversial Patrick Mahomes Incident

Horrific Aerial Footage of Greg Biffle’s Fatal Crash Emerges Leaving NASCAR Community in Tears

Tom Brady Hints at Nefarious Actions From Bears After Packers Lose Sideline Heaters

Johnson Wagner Admits Guilt for Making Jordan Spieth Miss Out on Rare PGA Tour Record

Matt LaFleur Blames Locker Room After Issuing Painful Statement on Packers’ Loss

Bears DE Awaits Punishment for Controversial Jordan Love Incident After Packers Shared Injury Update

Even with his friend Caitlin Clark out for her fifth straight game, he still stood there, showing up for one of the most resilient rosters in the league. Now, as Sophie continues her own rehab, she’s doing the same – showing support for injury-riddled roster, no matter how busy her offseason gets!