The WNBA's surge in popularity has brought more fan interactions—some welcome, some not so much. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently found herself on the receiving end of an encounter that crossed the line, and she's not holding back.
On a recent episode of her podcast, “Show Me Something,” which she co-hosts with “Summer House” star West Wilson, Cunningham recounted an unsettling experience. A fan reportedly drove half a mile just to follow her to her car, hoping to snap a photo. “I had someone drive like half a mile to like follow me to my car to take a photo with me?” Cunningham said. “And I was like what? Like how it's like just so random.”
Cunningham, who was traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Fever before last season, is known for her vibrant personality and strong social media presence. She also made a splash with her SI Swimsuit debut and has built a loyal following alongside Caitlin Clark. But she's quick to remind fans that there's a line between admiration and intrusion.
“We always talk about how someone is like famous or in the public eye, and they're doing something, I would never bother them,” Cunningham said. “Like, I would never go to the lengths that some of these people go to just to get a photo.”
The 29-year-old guard is urging all WNBA fans to exercise common sense. Following an athlete to their car or tracking their movements is not acceptable, she emphasized. It's a message that resonates as the league's profile continues to rise.
Cunningham recently re-signed a short-term deal with the Fever ahead of the 2026 season. The team has started the year at 4-4, but there's plenty of time to turn things around. Off the court, Cunningham's podcast and social media antics—like her matching pregame outfits with Lexie Hull—keep fans engaged. But she's drawing a firm boundary: respect the person behind the player.
As the WNBA grows, players like Cunningham are navigating a new level of fame. The key, she says, is for fans to remember that athletes are people too. “Do better,” she scolded, encapsulating the frustration many players feel when fan enthusiasm turns into uncomfortable encounters.
