In a disappointing turn of events for Indiana Fever fans, the team has confirmed that guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season due to a knee injury. The announcement comes after days of speculation following Cunningham’s injury during a game against the Connecticut Sun.
During the second quarter of the match, with just under eight minutes left on the clock, Cunningham fell hard to the floor following a collision with Bria Hartley. The 29-year-old’s visible pain raised concerns among fans and teammates alike. Today, the Fever officially announced that Cunningham will not return to the court this season, marking a significant blow to the team’s playoff aspirations.
The Fever have faced a series of injuries this season, with key players like Caitlin Clark, who is dealing with quadriceps and groin issues, and Sydney Colson, who suffered a torn ACL. Aari McDonald has also been sidelined with a broken foot. With Cunningham now joining this list, the team is feeling the weight of these setbacks.
To address Cunningham’s absence, the Fever have signed point guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day contract while releasing Kyra Lambert. Peddy, who began her WNBA career in 2019, has played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 assists in six games this season. Over her career, Peddy has maintained an average of 5.9 points and 2.3 assists, along with a respectable 40.2% shooting percentage. Her addition could prove vital as the Fever strive to maintain their position in the WNBA standings and secure a playoff spot.
The news of Cunningham’s injury has sparked an outpouring of support from fans on social media. Many expressed their sadness and offered well-wishes for her recovery. Comments ranged from expressions of sympathy, such as “Absolutely tragic. This team has suffered so much,” to encouragement like “Sorry to hear that, she will be back and better than ever.” Some fans have also voiced concerns regarding the officiating in the league, suggesting that inconsistent refereeing has contributed to injuries among players.
As the Fever look ahead, Peddy is set to don the number 5 jersey in Friday’s home game against the Minnesota Lynx. The team will need to rally together in the face of adversity as they aim to keep their playoff hopes alive without one of their key players.