Sophie Cunningham Hints at Mercury Return After Fever Contract Issue
Sophie Cunningham first joined the Fever in 2025 via an offseason trade from the Phoenix Mercury.
The 6-foot-1 guard had a memorable first campaign in Indiana, which, unfortunately, was cut short by a season-ending knee injury.
Nevertheless, the Fever rewarded her with a contract extension. This came out to a one-year deal worth $665,000.
Cunningham, however, later revealed that her new deal did not meet her standards. After some backlash from the fans, the outspoken guard decided to clear the air. She explained that money was not the issue and that what she was hoping for was a longer contract.
Cunningham opened up about her 2025 trade in a recent episode of her podcast. As she discussed her relationship with her former team, the 29-year-old hinted at a possible return to Phoenix somewhere down the road.
"There are specific players who, like, start their career with one team and end their career with the same exact team, and that's very rare," Cunningham said. "And I think I have the potential to do that in Phoenix if I wanted to.
"Phoenix did right by me. I had been there for six years, and so I was really close with the management, pretty much everyone who worked there, and so they were like, ‘Hey, here's our situation at hand. This doesn't mean we won't ever want you back here, but here's your opportunity. Here's what we're trying to do."
Based on Cunningham's statement, a potential reunion with the Mercury is something that appears to be amenable for both parties.
Cunningham went on to share that she agreed to the trade because she loved the idea of returning to the Midwest. The Columbia, Missouri, native added that she missed her family and her friends.
Cunningham admitted, however, that she was very emotional once it all sank in.
"And then, the next day, I'm not kidding, I stayed in my house and I cried the entire day," she said. "I was like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing? I finally have my people here. I'm finally free. I started a name and a business here in Arizona. I'm making good money.'
"I think when you take big risks and stuff like that, it can be scary, but also that is the time when you start to blossom as well. And so I'm so grateful that I did it."
When she addressed her comments about her Fever contract, Cunningham said that her goal was to remain in Indianapolis for the long haul. She wanted to make it her base and establish herself in the city at this point in her career and her life.
At the same time, however, it appears that Cunningham is still keeping her options open.
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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM.