Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s 2025 season came to an abrupt end after she suffered a season-ending knee injury. The team announced on Tuesday that the injury occurred during a game against the Connecticut Sun, where Bria Hartley of the Sun fell into Cunningham’s right leg, forcing her to be escorted off the court. Cunningham immediately clutched her knee and was assessed by trainers before being taken to the locker room. The team has not yet disclosed the full nature of the injury.
In response to the injury, the Indiana Fever signed guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract and released guard Kyra Lambert. This marks another setback for the team, which has been dealing with several injuries throughout the season. Superstar guard Caitlin Clark remains out with a groin ailment, and guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald were also ruled out for the rest of the season, with Colson tearing her left ACL and McDonald suffering a broken foot.
Cunningham, who joined the Fever this season, saw her popularity surge after protecting Caitlin Clark from a poke in the eye during a game against the Sun. She was subsequently ejected for a scuffle under the hoop, which led to a significant increase in her social media presence. Cunningham has since launched a podcast with reality star sports reporter West Wilson. She is currently under a one-year, $100,000 contract with the Fever and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
The incident has also sparked a public backlash from Cunningham’s sister, Lindsey, who criticized the W NBA for its officiating and alleged that the league has failed to adequately protect its players. She called for better officials and more focus on athlete safety. This comes as the Fever continue to navigate a challenging season marked by multiple injuries to key players.
As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, the Indiana Fever face an uphill battle with several key players sidelined. The team’s ability to adapt and find replacements will be crucial in their quest for success. For Cunningham, the injury marks a significant setback in what was her first season with the team. The long road to recovery awaits, with hopes of a full return in the future.