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Indiana Fever bring back Caitlin Clark running mate Sophie Cunningham
TL;DR
The Indiana Fever have signed guard Sophie Cunningham to a one-year contract as part of their strategy for the 2026 WNBA title. She joins Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull, who are also returning to the team.
The Indiana Fever are putting the band back together for a run at the 2026 WNBA title.
Now, they just have to hope everybody stays healthy.
On Sunday, April 12, the Fever announced they agreed to a one-year contract with guard Sophie Cunningham. She joins fellow free-agent guards Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull, both of whom elected to return to Indiana.
MORE: Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull announce major Indiana Fever WNBA Free Agency news
Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston are under contract and will return as well.
ESPN WNBA reporter Alexa Philippou reported the Cunningham news on X. Terms of the deal were not released.
The Fever finished 24-20 in 2025 and advanced to the WNBA semifinals. They fell in overtime in a decisive Game 5 to the eventual WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
Indiana suffered injuries throughout the season. Clark played just 13 games due to several injuries. To make matters worse, Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, Chloe Bibby and Damiris Dantas also incurred season-ending injuries. Mitchell left Game 5 of the semifinal series with a serious muscle condition.
Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 30 games. Additionally, she knocked down 43.2 percent of her 3-point attempts.
“We had a really special group last year. … We fought through a ton of adversity, and it was important to me that we have a chance to see through what we started,” Cunningham said in a release from the Fever. “I have a feeling this is going to be another special season, so I’m excited to get things started and to, of course, keep playing in front of the best fans in the WNBA.
“Let’s get spicy!”
Cunningham, 29, spent the first six years of her career with the Phoenix Mercury. She became known as Clark’s protector and an enforcer during her first campaign with the Fever. During a game against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham delivered a hard foul on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon, leading to an altercation.
The Fever added free agents in guards Monique Billings and Ty Harris.
Finally, Indiana opens its WNBA schedule on May 9 with a game against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.
Q&A
What contract did Sophie Cunningham sign with the Indiana Fever?
Sophie Cunningham signed a one-year contract with the Indiana Fever.
Who are the other players returning to the Indiana Fever alongside Sophie Cunningham?
Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull are also returning to the Indiana Fever.
What is the Indiana Fever's goal for the 2026 WNBA season?
The Indiana Fever aim to compete for the WNBA title in the 2026 season.
