Sophie Cunningham (8) on the court injured, David Butler II-Imagn Images
Sophie Cunningham, a key player for the Indiana Fever, suffered a serious right knee injury during Sunday’s WNBA matchup against the Connecticut Sun.
Indiana Fever Forward Sophie Cunningham Injured Against Connecticut Sun
The incident occurred in the second quarter on August 17, 2025, forcing Cunningham to leave the game immediately. According to the team, she was ruled out for the rest of the contest and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on August 18 to determine the extent of the damage.
How the Injury Happened
The play unfolded when Bria Hartley of the Connecticut Sun drove to the basket, lost her balance, and fell onto Cunningham’s right leg. The Fever forward collapsed instantly, clutching her knee in visible pain. Teammates and coaches rushed to her side before medical staff helped her off the floor.
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View productA Season Already Marked by Injuries
The Indiana Fever have been plagued by injuries throughout the 2025 season. Star rookie Caitlin Clark remains sidelined, while guards Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson are also dealing with long-term absences. Cunningham had stepped up to fill a vital role in Clark’s absence, making her injury another crushing blow to the team’s WNBA playoff hopes.
Family and Team Reactions
The injury sparked strong reactions from Cunningham’s family. Her sister, Lindsey Cunningham, criticized WNBA officials on social media, claiming that the league fails to adequately protect its athletes. Her mother, Paula Cunningham, also expressed frustration toward Hartley in a tweet that was later deleted.
Fever head coach Stephanie White described the moment as “deeply concerning,” emphasizing that Cunningham was in “severe pain” and that the team must wait for the MRI to know more. White acknowledged that the injury could significantly alter the Fever’s season outlook.
Renewed Debate on Player Safety in the WNBA
The WNBA injury has reignited a larger debate on player safety and officiating in the league. Sophie Cunningham herself has previously faced fines for criticizing referees and the league’s handling of physical play. Many fans and analysts now point to Sunday’s incident as further evidence that athletes are not adequately protected.
What’s Next?
The Indiana Fever will anxiously await Cunningham’s test results on Monday. With the team’s roster already depleted, her absence could prove decisive in whether the Fever remain contenders for the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
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