Heartbreak for Indiana: Sophie Cunningham’s Season Ends With MCL Tear Amid Fever’s Injury Crisis

The Indiana Fever’s already injury-depleted roster took another major blow this week as guard Sophie Cunningham was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season after suffering a right MCL tear.

Cunningham went down during the second quarter of Indiana’s 99-93 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. After undergoing an MRI the following day, the team confirmed the worst: their fiery guard, who had just celebrated her 29th birthday, will not return this season.

Sophie Breaks Silence After Injury

Following the announcement, Cunningham addressed fans on social media, thanking them for their support.

“Thank you for the birthday wishes and the prayers💕,” she wrote on X.

The post quickly drew an outpouring of love from WNBA fans across the league:

• “Gonna come back stronger than ever girl ❤️ God got u always.”

• “Rest up and bounce back stronger Sophie🔥🔥🔥.”

• “Thanks for a great season Sophie, you gave everything! Heal up, we know you’ll come back stronger.”

The messages reflect Cunningham’s reputation not just as a competitor, but as one of the WNBA’s toughest enforcers and most passionate players.

A Key Piece Lost

Cunningham joined the Fever this past offseason after six years with the Phoenix Mercury. In 30 games with Indiana, she averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Her role expanded dramatically after Caitlin Clark went down with a groin injury in late July. Cunningham stepped into the starting lineup in place of Lexie Hull, averaging 12.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in August before her injury.

For a Fever squad already missing Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson for the season, losing Cunningham leaves a glaring gap in the backcourt. The team has been forced to reshuffle, releasing Kyra Lambert and signing veteran guard Shey Peddy to stabilize the rotation.

A Season of Setbacks

The Fever’s struggles with injuries have been relentless. Clark, the No. 1 overall pick and the centerpiece of Indiana’s rebuild, has missed the last 13 games with no firm timetable for her return. Combined with McDonald, Colson, and now Cunningham, the Fever have lost four guards in just two months — an almost unprecedented setback for any WNBA roster.

Still, Indiana remains competitive at 19–16, currently third in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham’s toughness and scoring bursts were a major part of that resilience, giving the Fever a spark when they needed it most.

Looking Ahead

The Fever now face their toughest stretch yet. Their next test comes Friday against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the playoffs looming, the team will need every ounce of production from its remaining healthy guards, along with leadership from veterans like Kelsey Mitchell, to stay afloat.

For Cunningham, the focus now shifts to recovery. Known for her relentless energy and competitive spirit, she will aim to return stronger in 2026 — a goal her fans clearly believe in.

Conclusion

Sophie Cunningham’s season-ending injury is more than just another setback for the Indiana Fever; it’s a gut punch to a team already stretched thin. Yet in her short time with the franchise, Cunningham showed her trademark grit, carved out a bigger role, and won over Indiana fans with her toughness.

As she begins the road back, the Fever must once again adapt — and hope that the resilience that’s defined their season will carry them through one more challenge.