Sophie Cunningham GameDay fit for Game 3 was another fan favorite originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's been more than 24 hours from the game and the conversation is still buzzing around the sports world.
The Indiana Fever continue becoming one of the biggest attractions in sports, and at this point, the attention extends far beyond what happens during games. That trend continued again Friday night before Indiana's Game 3 of the 2026 season against the Washington Mystics, when Sophie Cunningham quickly became one of the most talked-about players arriving at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
While the Fever continue adjusting through the early part of the season, Cunningham is rapidly building a strong connection with Indiana fans both on and off the court.
Sophie Cunningham continues becoming fan favorite in Indiana
Cunningham arrived for Friday's game wearing a sleek black outfit that immediately generated attention online. The veteran guard paired a cropped sleeveless top with loose black drawstring pants and open-toe heels, creating another memorable pregame look as cameras followed the Fever entering the arena.
At this point, Fever pregame arrivals have almost become events themselves. Between Caitlin Clark, Cunningham and several other Indiana players, the Fever continue generating massive interest across social media before, during and after games. Cunningham in particular has quickly emerged as one of the roster's most recognizable personalities since joining Indiana.
And her impact has not been limited to fashion moments.
MORE: Caitlin Clark sounds alarm on Indiana Fever issue after another high-scoring loss
Cunningham giving Fever valuable production on the court
Cunningham scored 7 points in 20 minutes as the Fever fell to 1-2 on the season Friday. The former Phoenix Mercury guard has already carved out an important role for Indiana early in the season though. Cunningham played a major part in the Fever's win over the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this week, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, two made 3-pointers and strong defensive energy in 27 minutes.
That type of versatility is exactly why Indiana targeted Cunningham during the offseason. The Fever entered 2026 looking to surround Clark and Aliyah Boston with more toughness, shooting and veteran experience. Cunningham checks all three boxes while also bringing an edge and confidence that fits Indiana's growing identity.
Fever spotlight only continues getting bigger
Everything surrounding the Fever feels magnified right now. Every Caitlin Clark shot, every close finish and even every pregame outfit quickly becomes part of the larger conversation around one of the WNBA's most visible teams. Indiana has embraced that spotlight, and players like Cunningham continue helping fuel it.
The Fever may still be working through some early-season inconsistency on the court, but the energy around the franchise has not slowed down at all. And once again before Game 3 of the season, Cunningham found herself right in the middle of the attention.
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