In less than a year, Sophie Cunningham had made Indiana her home. The Fever star, despite being a veteran, steps up to defend her teammates when they face pressure from officials, fans, or opponents. “She’s a very vocal leader. She was really great at bringing everybody together,” said Indiana assistant coach Austin Kelly. As the team heads into an uncertain offseason, Cunningham reflected on their fairytale season and offered a glimpse into her plans for the future.

Appearing on Aeriel Powers’ final vlog of the season, Cunningham revealed the secret behind the team’s resilience and unity. She said, “This locker room is just filled with love. And I think that has made us go farther than anything, just because like we truly care about people off the court, and like it’s not like that on every team. And so I just think that like we are fighting for something bigger. Everything we’ve been through just made us like be closer.”

It seems the thin roster limits of the WNBA actually helped the Indiana Fever in this regard. Stephanie White and Co. were playing with fewer than 10 players in their squad multiple times over the course. Even if the replacement was underwhelming to whoever played earlier, the Fever were always in solution mode. Instead of complaining and feeling sorry for themselves, the squad was busy figuring out how to win regardless. 

Cunningham further admitted that they were basically forced to acclimatize anyone who came in.“It’s funny cuz like the more we added people, like people just fit right in, because it’s like, hey, this is all we got. So you better like us and we better like you because that is what it is.”

Even Odyssey Sims, who has been on a temporary signing many times in the past few years, said, “This is the first time I’ve been a part of a team with so much; they dealt with a lot.” The team atmosphere has been special despite multiple in-season arrivals and has been a major part of the success.

The team’s positive approach has laid a strong foundation for the franchise’s future. The squad stayed close-knit throughout the season, spending significant time together off the court, and that bond isn’t stopping in the offseason. Aeriel Powers was in Sophie Cunningham’s family farm in Missouri. “I’m trying to come and ride the horses and all that. So we need to do that,” Powers said. Cunningham immediately replied, “I’m taking her to the country. I’m taking her, we’re putting her up on a horse.”

Cunningham grew up riding horses about 30 miles from her family’s farm in Columbia, Missouri. “I love trail riding,” Cunningham said long ago. “Being out there by myself or with my sister or mom, going through the woods and over creeks; it’s just so peaceful.” Powers, on the other hand, is pure Detroit city slicker, and Cunningham will have her work cut out, schooling her from the basics.

However, those plans would have to wait until Sophie Cunningham recovers from her MCL tear. As good as the 2025 season, Cunningham’s 2026 return is uncertain.

Sophie Cunningham’s Indiana return doubtful in a chaotic free agency

When asked about a potential return, she showcased her appreciation for Indiana but reserved some doubts. “I’m definitely going to be entertaining other teams, other offers. Um, but my hope is, you know, that I’ve had a great time here and I would like to continue that, but I also think with the new CBA, there’s a lot on the line.” She said. 

That is where the crux of the doubt is. The CBA is expiring, and assuming the league and WNBPA get the deal done in time, free agency starts in January. Almost the entire league is a free agent, and a lot of teams will be turning over, including Indiana. The Fever only has three players under contract for 2026: Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Makayla Timpson. For now, the management is only looking at the controllables rather than making assumptions. 

“I think we control the controllables,” Fever general manager Amber Cox said. “You start prepping for, obviously, the college season, for what’s going on internationally, planning out our scouting, both domestically and internationally.”

The Fever can potentially find a better wing to complement Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. That’s not to say Cunningham was bad in any sense. In 2025, she averaged 8.6 points, 1.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. She shot a career-best 43.2% from the three-point line, doing her job of being among the premier perimeter shooters. After 2025, the Fever will be targeting a title in 2026, and a better wing might help that cause. However, that does not consider the intangibles that Cunningham brought.

Cunningham’s leadership and energy are loved across the squad and among the fan base. Her future with Indiana could hinge on the upcoming CBA and potential salary cap jump. Those factors will determine if her qualities are valued enough to keep her in the mix.