Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s 30th birthday came with a surprise as her name became a contested topic on Reddit. Cunningham’s name has been a hot topic in WNBA circles recently, and now even using her name can get you in trouble! After being at the center of multiple controversies this season, Cunningham’s name is being flagged on the social media website Reddit, and a moderator has expressed a very specific concern. 

According to a post on X by Fox News, the official WNBA subreddit has banned Sophie Cunningham’s name on August 16. The report on X states that the guard’s name is being filtered out on the subreddit, and users who question the decision may have their accounts banned as well.

A moderator of the official WNBA subreddit has confirmed these reports, per Fox News, saying that posts about Sophie Cunningham invite controversial discussion and “tends to bring out trolls and people who aren’t fans of the W.” The platform is taking steps to ensure that it does not become a ground for unpleasantness from users.

This ban comes just hours after Cunningham turned 30, on August 16, 2026. The Fever guard was born in Columbia, Missouri, and eventually made her way to the University of Missouri to play for the Missouri Tigers basketball team. The 2016 SEC Freshman of the Year was drafted in 2019 by the Phoenix Mercury with the 13th overall pick. In 2025, Cunningham was traded to the Fever, where she has made her mark.

Sophie Cunningham, apart from being the fourth-highest scorer for the Fever, has recently made waves in the WNBA with her controversial opinion on transgender athletes in women’s sports. A July 21 ESPN profile on Cunningham saw her say that she wants to protect young women who want to compete in sports from sharing locker rooms with biological men. Her comments left the WNBA divided on the matter and led to a series of events that have kept Cunningham at the top of the WNBA’s discussions.  

The Reddit issue comes at a time when Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes have caused widespread concerns regarding the WNBA’s eligibility criteria. Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced their intentions to declare for the 2027 WNBA draft, publicly claiming that they identify as women. Cunningham’s comments have sparked rallies both supporting and opposing her outside Indiana Fever away games. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s task force, after reviewing the data, stated that they do not support any attempts to “demean or marginalize others.” It seems that Reddit is attempting to follow their example.

But Cunningham did not let any of this cloud her birthday celebrations.

Indiana Fever Teammates Shower Wishes on Sophie Cunningham for Her Birthday

Sophie Cunningham may be the talking point of the WNBA, but that didn’t stop her from celebrating her 30th year of life. Cunningham, who has previously modelled for Sports Illustrated, has always shown up in fabulous fits. Her birthday was no different, as the Fever guard posted a picture of herself in a white corset top and white pants, while accessorising with sunglasses and a small handbag. 

The post also featured another image of her in the Indiana Fever jersey, laughing with the crowd behind her. Cunningham showed the two sides of her life, on-court and off-court, both of which she was thankful for, as is evident from the caption.

“thank you Jesus for this life and another year❤️‍🔥”

Her teammates flooded the comment section with wishes for Cunningham’s birthday. Fever guard Lexie Hull and forwards Aliyah Boston and Monique Billings were among the many well-wishers. Even Fever guard Raven Johnson joined in to wish Cunningham. 

A notable comment came from the official handle of the Fever as well. The Fever also put up a post to celebrate Sophie Cunningham’s birthday on their own Instagram page. Cunningham welcomed her birthday with a 95-91 win over the Atlanta Dream, in a game where she contributed three points, seven rebounds, and an assist to help the Fever to the win.