Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Had Something to Say About Mercury Before Facing Former Team

Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Had Something to Say About Mercury Before Facing Former Team

 

INDIANAPOLIS — July 30, 2025

As the Indiana Fever prepare to face off against the Phoenix Mercury, all eyes are on Sophie Cunningham — and the veteran guard isn’t holding back ahead of her first matchup against her former team.

Cunningham, who spent six seasons with the Mercury before being traded to the Fever in February, addressed reporters this week and made it clear that there’s no lingering awkwardness as she gets ready to battle her old squad.

“It’s not awkward,” Cunningham said with a smirk. “If it’s awkward, then you need to grow up.”

Her blunt comment came during a press conference previewing the Fever’s upcoming home game against the Mercury — a highly anticipated matchup not only because of Cunningham’s return but also due to Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner’s first appearance back in Indiana since her stint with the Fever years ago.

Cunningham’s strong words reflect her no-nonsense personality, but also speak to her clear focus on her current team. The Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and All-Star forward Aliyah Boston, are fighting for playoff positioning in a tight Eastern Conference race. Cunningham has become a key piece of the team’s rotation, providing perimeter shooting, veteran leadership, and grit on both ends of the floor.

“I learned a lot in Phoenix,” Cunningham said. “I played with some of the greats. But now I’m here in Indiana, and I’m focused on helping this team build something special. This is where I want to win.”

Cunningham’s departure from Phoenix was part of a multi-team trade that reshaped several WNBA rosters. Though her contract was extended by the Mercury just one season prior, the deal sent her to Indiana, where she embraced a fresh start.

But off the court, the 2025 season has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, Cunningham was unexpectedly named in a lawsuit filed against the Phoenix Suns — the NBA affiliate of the Mercury. The suit alleged, without evidence, that she had an inappropriate relationship with Suns/Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein.

Cunningham responded swiftly and directly, calling the accusation “untrue and extremely hurtful.”

“I’ve never even met the man,” she said in a statement posted to social media. “To see my name dragged into something I had absolutely no involvement in was shocking and disappointing.”

The Suns and Mercury organizations have publicly supported Cunningham and denounced the claim as a baseless attempt to draw media attention to an unrelated legal case.

Despite the distraction, Cunningham has remained focused on the game. She’s averaging nearly 10 points per game off the bench for the Fever and has emerged as a respected voice in the locker room.

As tip-off approaches for her first game against the Mercury in a new jersey, Cunningham is treating it like any other matchup — but her passion for competition and growth is clear.

“I’ve got love for some of those women over there,” she said. “But when the ball goes up, it’s all business.”