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It’s the WNBA offseason, and the Indiana Fever are already capitalizing on it. While Sydney and Aari just made it to the Pacers’ season opener, CC seems a bit busy with Taylor Swift as her personal guest to support Travis Kelce. And now, Sophie has entered the list too, as she’s off to Florida.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Of course, this recharge is pretty much needed, especially since she ended her season prematurely after sustaining a knee injury during a game against Connecticut in August. She tore her right MCL, underwent surgery, dealt with some side effects, and now she’s here, reviving and just chilling at the beach. But she isn’t just there for a trip, though.

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She posted a picture of her legs stretched across the warm, golden sand, glistening under the sun’s gentle glow, captioning it, “Florida, future home,” on her official Instagram account. And while she’s joking most of the time, she’s damn serious at the moment. That’s because, during a recent episode of her podcast with friend West Wilson, she revealed plans to purchase a house in Florida.

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“I have clothes and stuff everywhere at this house. I have clothes and stuff everywhere in the Indiana house, stuff in my parents’ house, about to buy a house in Florida. My life is fun,” Cunningham said.

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Well, Florida’s an ideal choice for athletes seeking a balance of relaxation, lifestyle, and opportunity. With miles of pristine beaches, world-class weather year-round, and a vibrant sports culture, the state offers both comfort and convenience. Its endless outdoor recreational options-from boating and golf to beachside runs-make it a perfect haven for active lifestyles.

So, no doubt, it’s going to be a great choice for Sophie. And maybe that’s the reason behind her choosing Florida over her birthplace for a while. “It’s just like where I’m going to be next, ‘cuz you kind of know when you’re not filming, you’re kind of in offseason… and New York is the perfect hub to live to do all that. But I also don’t want to be in the cold, so that’s why it’s like I’ll be between here, Missouri, and Florida, or like my kind of triangle,” she said in her podcast.

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The 29-year-old had maintained a home in Arizona since her trade from the Mercury last offseason, but that chapter is coming to an end. While she’s continuing her rehab in Phoenix, she’ll no longer have a permanent residence there. “Yes and no,” she said when asked if she’s officially leaving Phoenix. “Like I’m still going to be around because I’m going to do the majority of my rehab out here, but like living here and like having a place here, no. It’s kind of sad, like a chapter ending, but I’m excited for it. It’s been fun, so, you know.”

For now, she plans to maintain a “triangle” lifestyle between Phoenix, her native Missouri, and Florida. Should she return to Indiana on a long-term deal, it will likely become her primary base. But will that happen?

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Sophie’s not technically with Indy as of now.

As Indy goes into the offseason, only three players are secured, while the rest will be hitting free agency, including Sophie Cunningham. According to Spotrac, she inked a $100,000 contract last offseason with Indy, but now, “Technically, I’m (Cunningham) not signed to Indiana.”

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However, fans and management would want her to return, and why not? She quickly became a fan favorite, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. And while she’s expressed interest in returning to Indy, she did say that she “will listen to other offers.”

Her statement is understandable, though, considering how the CBA situation is playing out. Now, almost everyone is certain that an agreement might not happen before the October 31 deadline. This delay would not just affect free agency but also the expansion draft and the 2026 draft, leaving many players in limbo about their next destination.

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Shreya Singh

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