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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

The fans are craving the ‘tres leches’ to return. Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and Sophie Cunningham formed a popular trio for the Indiana Fever that set the court and social media on fire. The front office has already secured Kelsey Mitchell on a supermax contract, arguably the most important piece in their semifinal run last year. They retain Clark and Aliyah Boston on rookie contracts. Fever also sent a qualifying offer to Hull a few days ago. Now, Hull has confirmed her return via TikTok with none other than Caitlin Clark.

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The video begins with Caitlin Clark lip-syncing, “Tell a friend to tell a friend,” and the camera switches to Hull, who smiles and finishes the lyrics, “she’s back.” It looked like they were in Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters, based on a location tag. Clark commented on the video, “YIPEEE SKIPEEEEEE.” However, she also sent a cheeky message to Sophie Cunningham.

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Clark commented, “@S O P H I E hey what’s up wyd,” Clark wrote. To which Cunningham replied, “The no invite is CRAZYYYYY! You two better make up for this horrible TikTok.”

Lexie Hull was one of Indiana Fever’s most important players last season. Clark was out, and so was Sophie Cunningham. Hull stepped up on defense and became the rugged perimeter defender that held everything together. She averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds, but was their best defender.  So, there was little doubt that Fever was going to retain her.  

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Cunningham, Hull, and Clark have made TikToks together before. But this time Cunningham was left out. But this comment could be a hint that Cunningham is the next retention for the Fever. Boston, Hull, Clark, and Mitchell are 4 of what could be their best starting five. Cunningham’s return could complete the set. 

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Cunningham was the sharpshooter the Indiana Fever needed last year. She played 30 games before her season-ending injury, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 three-pointers. Cunningham shot a career best 43.2% from the three-point line. Her leadership in the locker room and aggressiveness on the court were also valued by fans who are desperately demanding her return. 

That especially applies after they lost Alanna Smith, who went to the Dallas Wings. Smith was considered the perfect fit for the Fever due to her versatility. She was the stretch-4 big who could have elevated them. Now, Cunningham’s return is important unless they are considering other options.  

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But it still looks grim, given the financial requirements on both sides. She wants a long-term contract and a raise over the $100,000 she earned last year. They have already filled more than 40% of their cap space and need to sign 6 more players. There needs to be a compromise from both sides. It could ultimately come down to how much Fever values Cunningham and her willingness to return. Regardless, Cunningham’s preparation for the season has already started. 

Sophie Cunningham Sweats Through Intense Training Before WNBA Training Camp

The WNBA offseason will be over in a flash. The rookie draft is set to take place on April 13th, and the training camp will begin four days later, on April 17th. By then, all rosters will be set as the teams officially start their preparations for the season. However, Cunningham is keeping in shape before the season begins.

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Cunningham posted a video of her motivating herself after a long run. “I just did hills on a back road. And let me tell you, I looked over and there was like a deer staring at me. Big old breeze came through, and I was like, yes, God,” she said. “Like, be your biggest hype man, be your biggest supporter.” Cunningham is coming back from that MCL tear she suffered last season that ended her run.

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It seems Cunningham is back to her best, and she has also posted her basketball workouts. She was seen working on her handles. Cunningham can level up further if she adds elite handles along with her shot. Now, only time will tell if she will improve at the Indiana Fever or elsewhere. 

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Soham Kulkarni

1,294 Articles

Soham Kulkarni is a WNBA Writer at EssentiallySports, where he focuses on data-backed reporting and performance analysis. A Sports Management graduate, he examines how spacing in efficiency zones, shot selection, and statistical shifts drive results. His work goes beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, helping readers see how underlying trends affect player efficiency and the evolving strategies of the women’s game. With a detail-oriented and analytical approach, Soham turns complex data into accessible narratives that bring clarity to the fastest-moving moments of basketball. His reporting captures not just what happened, but why it matters, showing fans how small efficiency gains, defensive structures, and tempo shifts can alter outcomes. At ES, he provides a sharper, stats-first lens on the WNBA’s present and future.

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