Fever Guard Cunningham Aims to Bulk Up for Free Agency

Recovering from injury, the Indiana player hopes to gain weight ahead of the 2026 WNBA season and Project B launch.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has revealed plans to gain weight as part of her recovery from a significant injury that cut short her 2025 WNBA season. Cunningham, an unrestricted free agent, is focused on bulking up physically to enhance her performance and resilience ahead of the 2026 season and the anticipated launch of her new initiative, Project B.

Why it matters

Cunningham's offseason priorities come at a critical juncture, as the WNBA and players' union continue tense CBA negotiations that could impact player contracts and the league's upcoming schedule. Her progress in rehabilitation and contract developments will be closely watched by fans and analysts.

The details

Cunningham, a six-foot guard, participated in 30 games for the Fever last year, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. However, her season was cut short in August due to an MCL tear. While the Fever advanced to the WNBA semifinals, Cunningham has been dedicated to regaining full fitness since her injury. Her one-year, $100,000 contract with Indiana expired in 2025, making her an unrestricted free agent.

  • Cunningham's 2025 WNBA season was cut short in August due to an MCL tear.
  • Cunningham's contract with the Indiana Fever expired in 2025.

The players

Sophie Cunningham

A guard for the Indiana Fever who is recovering from a significant injury and preparing to enter free agency.

A'ja Wilson

A star forward for the Las Vegas Aces, who defeated the Fever in the 2025 WNBA semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“It sucks, because how our negotiation is going, how all that's going, it's like we're the laughingstock of sports right now. Both sides are kinda getting frustrated, but I know us players are holding our ground, so it should be interesting.”

— Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever guard (Show me Something podcast)

What’s next

The WNBA has indicated a hard deadline of March 10 to reach a collective bargaining agreement to avoid disruption of the 2026 schedule, which will impact Cunningham's free agency options.

The takeaway

Cunningham's focus on physical development amid her injury recovery aligns with her ambitions to enhance her performance and resilience as she enters free agency and prepares for the launch of her new initiative, Project B. However, the outcome of the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations will likely influence her contract options and the broader dynamics within the league.