Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) points at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner (24) as an argument broke out between the two players on Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77.
There’s no arguing that Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham is one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA. On one hand, Cunningham is a rotation player who often makes little contribution in the box score.
On the other hand, Cunningham is very clearly one of the league’s most popular players, largely due to her outspoken views and traditionally attractive looks.
But those things can also leave Cunningham feeling ostracized at times among her peers. Cunningham recently explained that she feels as if she’s “on the outside” in the WNBA, largely due to her sexual preferences.
Sophie Cunningham Gets Candid On Theo Von Podcast
Cunningham, who is never one to be afraid to say exactly what she thinks, recently appeared on the “This Past Weekend with Theo Von” podcast, where Von asked a number of unconventional questions.
One of the things Von asked about was the dynamics among teams and within locker rooms in the WNBA, where players are often in romantic relationships with one another.
“There is a web,” Cunningham said of it all. “But it’s, like, fascinating. I’m on the outside of that web. So, I just kind of sit back and eat my popcorn and watch it all unfold. And it’s entertaining. It’s fun.”
Von then asked Cunningham if she was familiar with the “lesbian mafia” across the league that tried to exert its power. Cunningham gave a half-answer.
“Dude, honestly, I’m like strictly d—ly. So I have no idea,” she said of her sexual preferences. “Like, I don’t know who the mafia is or whatever.
“Like, guys only. But like, to each their own. Go do what you want. I don’t [care]. Like who gives a flying f–k.”
Notably, Cunningham didn’t deny the existence of said “mafia” and did not deny that she felt like she was an outsider in the league. Perhaps that explains the sizable gap between her popularity among casual fans and those more involved in with the league.