The Indiana Fever provided an injury update on Sophie Cunningham Tuesday, confirming the worst-case scenario for the star as she’s out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season.
Shortly after the team’s announcement, Cunningham broke her silence on social media with a heartfelt message dedicade to those sending her good wishes over the last few days.
“Thank you for the birthday wishes and the prayers,” Cunningham wrote on her X (formerly known as Twitter) account. The former second-round pick got injured during the Fever‘s comeback win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, only a day after turning 29.
Extent of Sophie Cunningham’s season-ending injury, revealed
Even though the Fever’s statement didn’t provide details on Cunningham’s injury, a report sheds light into its extent. According to Chloe Peterson of IndyStarSports, Cunningham suffered an MCL tear in her right knee.
Injuries have been a persistent problem for the Fever this season, as Cunningham is the third player on their roster to sustain a season-ending injury. Sydney Colson (left ACL tear) and Aari McDonald (broken bone in right foot) are also missing the remainder of the WNBA campaign after getting hurt during the July 30 win over the Phoenix Mercury.
Cunningham’s injury adds insult to, precisely, injury as Indiana continues to miss former first-overall pick Caitlin Clark. Even though head coach Stephanie White expects Clark to be back before the end of the regular season, her exact return date remains uncertain.
Fever relying on other names with Cunningham and Clark out
With Cunningham sidelined, the Fever announced the signing of guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract. To make room for the six-year WNBA veteran, the team released Kyra Lambert.
Needless to say, this situation is far from ideal for a team still pushing for a place in the WNBA playoffs. But with only nine games remaining, White will need other players to step up during Clark and Cunningham’s absence.
The recent win over the Sun may have given the Fever a good sign in this aspect. When Cunningham left the court, Kelsey Mitchell put the team on her back and led Indiana to an epic comeback victory in overtime, making franchise history with a 38-point effort on the road. With a playoff spot at stake, Mitchell may be the leader the Fever need with key players injured.