Sophie Cunningham’s teammates Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark just brought home the World Cup trophy with Team USA, but Cunningham recently made a surprising four-word comment. While the world was watching the Breanna Stewart-led team dominate the Berlin Arena, Cunningham remarked that she was occupied.
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Sophie Cunningham and the Fever’s assistant coach, Briann January, spoke to the media before practice on Monday afternoon at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. When a reporter asked Cunningham if she had a chance to watch the previous night’s FIBA World Cup finals, the Fever guard had a blunt reply, per a YouTube video by the Indiana Fever.
“No, I was busy.”
Looking at Cunningham’s schedule, it’s hard not to agree with her. From launching her new podcast to attending a NASCAR race to having a conversation with the NBA commissioner Adam Silver about the next WNBA commissioner, and having a photoshoot, in the span of one week, Cunningham has done it all.
On September 9, Cunningham announced the release of her new podcast, No Hesitation, with basketball trainer Drew Hanlen, who will now serve as the co-host of the podcast. After episodes of her earlier podcast, Show Me Something, stopped coming out in June, speculation remained high among the fans as to what Cunningham may be planning next.
On Sunday, Cunningham was spotted at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, to enjoy the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300. Cunningham attended as an athlete contributor, moving easily through the racetrack crowd. The Fever guard toured the garages, took part in pre-race ceremonies, and rubbed shoulders with prominent racing figures, including 23XI Racing co-owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan and Hoosier native and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon.
Throughout the event, she moved between roles: race enthusiast, broadcaster, and featured guest on Kenny Wallace’s pre-race stage. Her appearance alongside Wallace and co-host John Roberts drew a large, energetic gathering that delivered plenty of memorable, lighthearted moments. For Cunningham, the day couldn’t have gone better.
“We’re here in Illinois with NASCAR. It’s been the best day of my entire life. I feel these are my people. I belong here. I’m wearing all-black; I got my leather on, boots on. I’m pulling out my Talladega nights, baby,” Cunningham said while describing her day.
Afterward, Sophie Cunningham posted an update about her day on her Instagram story.
“I’ve had a super long day,” Cunningham said. “Just got back to Indy because we have practice tomorrow. I took the best shower of my life, but I have a pretty big photoshoot tomorrow. I can’t tell you which one yet, but it’s fun. After practice tomorrow.”
Cunningham has had photoshoots in the past with brands such as Sports Illustrated, SKIMS, and Adidas Gym Campaign, and so this latest statement generated quite the buzz among her fans.
Speaking to reporters on September 14 before the practice session, Sophie Cunningham revealed that she had had a conversation with none other than NBA commissioner Adam Silver regarding the choice of the next WNBA commissioner.
“I have talked to Adam Silver a couple of times, and I think he’s a great guy. He was very knowledgeable and full of wisdom, and so getting to talk to him and hear his perspective of how he approaches the NBA is huge, who he’s kind of looking for. I think if you want to know the real answers, you go to him,” Cunningham said.
With Cathy Engelbert announcing that she will retire at the end of this season, Cunningham revealed her specific expectations for the incoming WNBA commissioner, insisting that the individual should be a “uniting force” and someone who should put the players first in deciding the pivotal league matters.
It’s safe to say that the Fever star has thoroughly utilized the World Cup break. The Indiana Fever take on the Toronto Tempo on September 18, and one should not be too surprised if Sophie Cunningham squeezes in another event till then.