The Indiana Fever had a quiet Thursday night with no game on the schedule, but that didn't stop Sophie Cunningham from becoming the center of a social media storm. The team's front office decided to use the off day to launch a full-court press for their veteran guard's Sixth Player of the Year candidacy, and the internet responded with everything from passionate support to outright mockery.
With the 2026 WNBA season cruising past its midpoint, the Fever are making no secret of their desire to see Cunningham take home the hardware. The 8.4 points per game she's averaging might not jump off the stat sheet, but her efficiency tells a different story—she's shooting a career-best 47.6% from the field and a scorching 44.1% from beyond the arc, which ranks third in the entire league.
Thursday night, the Fever's official social media account posted a simple but bold message: “Sophie Cunningham for 6th Player of the Year.” Within hours, the post had racked up over a million views and a flood of comments, not all of them friendly.
“Yea that team is very unserious,” one fan scoffed, while another went further: “We gotta do something about the Indiana Fever, I’ve seen enough. Shrink the WNBA.” The backlash wasn't universal, though. Some supporters rushed to Cunningham's defense, pointing out that her role on a star-studded roster limits her opportunities. “When you give 3 all stars on a team is hard for Sophie to get the ball and actually get some stats. But she still contributes and she the 4th best scorer on the team,” one fan argued. “Plus a leader on the court. Irreplaceable for this team.”
Others, however, questioned the logic of the campaign entirely. “I honestly feel bad because there are at least two Valkyries who statistically make more sense to be 6POTY,” another fan declared, referencing the Golden State Valkyries' bench production.
So, does Cunningham actually have a shot at the award? As things stand, Janelle Salan of the Valkyries is the clear frontrunner, averaging 12.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench. But Cunningham's impact goes beyond raw numbers—her three-point shooting has provided the Fever with crucial sparks in tight games, and her veteran presence has been invaluable for a team with championship aspirations.
That said, her August slump has likely dimmed her chances. While she's been reliable all season, a dip in production during the final stretch could be the difference between a trophy and a runner-up finish.
The Fever's aggressive promotion has certainly put Cunningham in the conversation, even if it's also drawn skeptical reactions from fans. Whether the campaign will sway voters remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: Sophie Cunningham's name is now on everyone's lips, and the debate over her worthiness is far from over.
