Sophie Cunningham given eye-catching WNBA role ahead of 2026 season

Sophie Cunningham given eye-catching WNBA role ahead of 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Sophie Cunningham is adding a new role to her WNBA responsibilities ahead of the 2026 season.

She's a free agent at the moment, so it's not clear if she'll be back with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

In the meantime, though, she signed a different contract.

Cunningham is joining USA Network's WNBA coverage this season, she announced on Instagram.

The plan is for Cunningham to be part of studio coverage for USA Network when it doesn't overlap with her playing schedule.

USA Network is a new part of the WNBA's broadcast setup as part of the league's new 11-year, $2.2 billion rights deal.

Cunningham has completed seven years in the WNBA, the first six with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Fever for 2025. She has averaged 7.9 points per game in her career.

She gained added fame in 2025 for her self-professed role as the "enforcer" alongside the superstar Clark.

Cunningham has ventured into the media world already with her podcast, "Show Me Something." And when she played for the Mercury, Cunningham did studio work for the NBA's Phoenix Suns.

Also joining the WNBA's new coverage group is legendary point guard Sue Bird, who will work as a studio analyst for NBC Sports.

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