‘Devastating’ – WNBA Fans Crushed By Sophie Cunningham’s Injury Diagnosis originally appeared on The Spun.
WNBA fans are crushed by Sophie Cunningham’s injury diagnosis on Tuesday afternoon, August 19.
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Cunningham, 29, suffered a right leg injury in the first half of Sunday’s overtime win over the Connecticut Sun. The former University of Missouri star was hit in the leg by Sun guard Bria Hartley, who was driving to the basket when the collision happened. Cunningham, traded from the Phoenix Mercury to the Indiana Fever this offseason, was down on the ground in serious pain before getting helped off of the floor.
The Indiana Fever guard missed the rest of her team’s 99-93 win over the Connecticut Sun and underwent an MRI on Monday, August 18. Her injury diagnosis was announced by the team on Tuesday.
Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) on the court injured as they take on the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images© David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Indiana Fever announced on Tuesday afternoon that Cunningham has been diagnosed with a season-ending knee injury. She will not return in 2025.
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“Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an injury during our game at Connecticut on Sunday. In a corresponding move, we have signed guard Shey Peddy to a 7-day hardship contract and released Kyra Lambert,” the Fever announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Indiana Fever fans are “devastated”
Immediately following the injury diagnosis, Fever fans took to social media, to weigh in on the news. They’re crushed.
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“Absolutely tragic. This team has suffered so much,” one fan wrote.
“So Caitlin and Sophie out. Ratings and ticket sales gonna crater,” one fan added.
“Noooo. Why does this team seem to have an abnormal amount of injuries caused by player to player altercation than any other team in the league? Probably random?” one fan added.
“Sorry Sophie. What occurred is not basketball. Officiating is non-existing. The girls on the Fever should sue the officials and the WBNA. What keeps occurring here is unacceptable. Please rest up and get well Miss,” one fan added.
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“Do you perhaps think it’s time to do something about the refs, and the toxic players who are causing physical harm to other players???????” one fan added.
Peddy will look to step up in Cunningham’s absense
Peddy, signed to a 7-day contract on Tuesday, will look to step up in Cunningham’s absence. She comes with a nice pedigree, having been named the Defensive Player of the Year at Athletes Unlimited, while also making the All-Defensive Team during the four-week offseason event.
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She averaged 5.9 points and 2.3 assists while shooting 40.2 from the field over the course of her WNBA career.
It’s go-time for the Fever
The Fever, 19-16 on the year, are facing a major turning point in the 2025 season. Indiana currently sits in sixth place in the WNBA. The Fever will look to get Caitlin Clark back soon, though she remains hobbled by an injury too.
Indiana and Minnesota are set to play on Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. E.T.
‘Devastating’ – WNBA Fans Crushed By Sophie Cunningham’s Injury Diagnosis first appeared on The Spun on Aug 19, 2025
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This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
