WNBA shooting guard Sophie Cunningham has had a dramatic 2025 season thus far—not on the court, but with an ankle injury and a viral rumor about her relations with Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein.
Let’s separate the facts regarding her recovery, a possible return for the Indiana Fever, and dealing with off-court rumors circulating online.
Ankle Injury Update: “Day-by-Day” Progress
Sophie Cunningham injured her right ankle during a May 10 preseason game against the Atlanta Dream. While X-rays ruled out any fractures, the sprain and swelling were serious enough to keep her sidelined for the regular season opener on May 17 against the Chicago Sky.
“We’re taking our time with her recovery,” emphasized Head Coach Stephanie White, highlighting the team’s cautious approach. “She’s a big part of our long-term plan.”
Cunningham has been officially listed as “questionable” for the upcoming May 21 matchup, as she continues to await medical clearance for a full return to contact practices.
A Tunnel Walk That Broke the Internet
Although Sophie did not lace up on the court, she stole the show with her tunnel walk outfit—wearing a lace bodysuit and black blazer with heels. The edgy ensemble immediately went viral, and she became the unofficial “WNBA Fashion Queen” of the week.
Off-Court Rumors: Suns CEO Bartelstein & Sophie?
Social media was recently shocked by unsubstantiated rumors connecting Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein with Sophie Cunningham. A few online sources said there was a personal relationship between the two, fueling rumor-mill speculations of an affair.
Important Note: To date, no reputable news outlet has validated these assertions. There are no announcements from Cunningham, Bartelstein, or either of their respective organizations. We value facts over rumors at SportSnip.com, and although we recognize hot-topic conversations, we ask that our readers refrain from circulating unsubstantiated information.
Should any legitimate updates become available through trusted sources, we’ll report them in a responsible manner.
Why Her Return Is So Important for Indiana Fever
Sophie’s return would be huge for the Fever’s backcourt. With rookie Caitlin Clark taking much of the playmaking burden, Cunningham’s defense, experience, and 3-point shooting will provide much-needed balance and spacing.
Career Stats Value
| Career Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 182 |
| PPG | 7.7 |
| Rebounds | 2.4 |
| 3-Point % (2024) | 34.6% |
Her chemistry with teammates and ability to switch on defense will become even more critical as the season gets deeper and tougher.
What’s Next?
Next Game: Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream — May 21
Sophie’s Status: Day-to-day, with team officials keeping close tabs
Off-Court: Fever continues to leverage Sophie’s viral moments to generate social media buzz
Analysis:
Sophie Cunningham might be out of commission for the moment, but clearly not out of the question. From her return date to the court, fashion-forward tunnel walks, and social media rumors surrounding a prominent NBA executive, she’s one of the most discussed athletes in the WNBA today.
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