BREAKING NEWS: “No, I’m Not Leaving” — Sophie Cunningham Shuts Down Retirement Rumors Ahead of Fever Playoff Opener
By Staff Writer | September 27, 2026 | Indianapolis, Ind.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has sent shockwaves through the basketball world—not by refusing a $4 million contract extension, but by forcefully denying viral rumors that she is walking away from the game entirely.
With the Fever just hours away from tipping off their first-round playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces, Cunningham took to social media to address a fabricated report that had spread rapidly across X (formerly Twitter). The false claim alleged that Caitlin Clark had delivered a farewell message for Cunningham’s “final WNBA regular-season game,” complete with a made-up quote about Cunningham pursuing a career at the United Nations advocating for women’s rights .
The post used muted footage of a Clark press conference alongside a quote that Clark never spoke. There was no announcement from Cunningham or the Fever organization regarding any retirement .
The Truth Behind the Viral Claim
The rumor originated from an account called “Fever Updates” and gained traction following Indiana’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Lynx on September 24, a game in which Cunningham played limited minutes and did not score .
This was not the first time such claims surfaced. Similar retirement rumors were investigated and debunked in August by fact-checkers, who found no evidence Cunningham had signaled any intent to leave the sport .
Cunningham remains an active member of the Fever roster and is expected to play a key role in the postseason. The team’s official communications continue to feature her as a central figure preparing for the series against Las Vegas .
Contract Frustration, Not Retirement
The confusion may stem from comments Cunningham made in April regarding her one-year, $665,000 contract extension with Indiana. On her podcast “Show Me Something,” Cunningham expressed frustration—but clarified it was about the length of the deal, not the money .
“I just wanted to be somewhere for more than one year,” Cunningham said. “I’m 30 years old, I want to have a home, I want to get established. And I would love to get established in a place like Indiana” .
She later posted on X: “I’m not mad about the money… I just wanted more years because I love it here. I wanted to get a house so I could bring my dog and donkey to Indy with me” .
Cunningham joined the Fever in 2025 via a four-team trade after spending her first six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. She quickly became a fan favorite—not just for her 43.2 percent three-point shooting, but for her willingness to serve as Caitlin Clark’s on-court “enforcer” when opposing teams got physical .
A Comeback Season
Cunningham’s first year in Indiana ended prematurely when she suffered a torn MCL in her right knee in August 2025, limiting her to 30 games .
She has responded with a strong 2026 campaign. In 39 appearances, Cunningham has averaged 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 43.4 percent from three-point range . Her 63 made three-pointers this season rank tied for second-most among all WNBA bench players .
“We are thrilled to have Sophie back,” Fever general manager Amber Cox said when Cunningham re-signed. “Not only is she one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, but she is an exceptional teammate, both on and off the court” .
What’s at Stake
The No. 6 Fever face the No. 3 Aces in a best-of-three first-round series beginning Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on ABC . Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday in Indianapolis, with a potential Game 3 back in Las Vegas on Thursday .
Indiana enters the playoffs with injury concerns for Aliyah Boston and Tyasha Harris, making Cunningham’s perimeter shooting and veteran presence even more critical .
Cunningham has made her intentions clear: she is not going anywhere.
“I think we have something very special here in Indiana,” she wrote. “Let’s get spicy” .
As for the $4 million extension claim circulating in breaking news alerts—there is no evidence such an offer was made, nor that Cunningham rejected it. The only confirmed story is that Sophie Cunningham is still a member of the Indiana Fever, preparing to help her team chase a championship.
