Why Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham’s off-court bond matters for the Fever’s next step originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever are heading into an offseason filled with uncertainty, but one thing has stayed steady: the connection between Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham. While contract questions, health timelines and league-wide negotiations hover over the WNBA calendar, moments like a simple social media exchange offer a glimpse into something Fever fans care deeply about, continuity.
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Hull and Cunningham were never meant to define the headlines this winter. Yet their chemistry, both on and off the floor, has quietly become part of Indiana’s larger story as the franchise looks to build on its deepest postseason run in more than a decade.
A season that split their paths but strengthened their connection
Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham experienced the 2025 season in very different ways.
Hull became a constant presence. She appeared in all 44 games, absorbed heavier minutes as injuries stacked up and carved out a reputation as one of Indiana’s most dependable two-way players. Her production was steady, but her value showed most in the small moments, defensive stops, timely rebounds and the willingness to do whatever a given night demanded.
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Cunningham’s year, meanwhile, was cut short. After arriving in Indiana via the 2025 offseason, she gave the Fever an early jolt with her physical play and perimeter scoring before a knee injury ended her season in August. While she wasn’t on the floor during Indiana’s playoff push, she remained a visible supporter from the sidelines.
A light moment that resonated with fans
During the offseason, Cunningham posted a photo highlighting a new Adidas sneaker look. It was polished, confident and very on brand. Hull’s response, a playful request to “send me a pair,” landed with fans not because it was flashy, but because it felt real.
That exchange reinforced what Fever supporters already believe: this backcourt pairing works beyond the stat sheet. It is the kind of rapport teams spend years trying to cultivate, and it rarely shows up in box scores.
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Free agency looms as the Fever weigh the future
Both guards now enter the offseason as free agents, which places Indiana in a delicate position. The Fever are no longer rebuilding quietly. After a run to the WNBA semifinals, expectations have shifted.
Roster decisions will be shaped not only by performance, but also by timing. Ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and the players association could influence contracts, cap planning and even the early stages of the 2026 schedule.
For a franchise trying to sustain momentum, retaining players who already understand their roles and each other carries added value.
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Chemistry still matters in a star-driven league
Indiana’s rise has been fueled by high-profile talent, including the presence of Caitlin Clark, but winning in the WNBA still depends on connective pieces. Hull and Cunningham fit that description.
They defend. They communicate. They bring an edge that balances the Fever’s offensive firepower. Keeping that dynamic intact could be the difference between simply returning to the playoffs and pushing further.
What comes next for Indiana
The Fever are scheduled to open the 2026 season on May 9 against the Dallas Wings, assuming league timelines hold. Whether Hull and Cunningham are both part of that night remains to be seen.
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What is clear is that their relationship has already left a mark. In an offseason dominated by uncertainty, a few emojis and a friendly comment served as a reminder that culture still matters, and Indiana’s is quietly taking shape.
