Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Fever, has become a polarizing figure in the WNBA. Following an incident in a 2025 game where she intentionally fouled Jacy Sheldon after Caitlin Clark was injured, Cunningham's profile exploded. This event, viewed by some as a "pro-wrestling bluster," marked the beginning of a rapid rise in her public profile.

In the year following the incident, Cunningham experienced a surge in fame, leading to a billboard outside Madison Square Garden, a feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and her own Adidas shoe colorway. Her social media following grew dramatically, surpassing Clark's and A'ja Wilson's on TikTok. She secured endorsements, including one with Ring, and commanded significant new income from brand partnerships.

Cunningham, previously a reserve player with six seasons in Phoenix, has embraced her role as a "feisty" and "protective" teammate. She acknowledges that her actions, while controversial, have significantly boosted her career and the league's visibility. "People love me or they really frickin' hate me," she stated, "I just don't care."