Will Sophie Cunningham remain with the Indiana Fever? Her future with Caitlin Clark enters a decision zone

Sophie Cunningham’s future with the Indiana Fever is yet to be decided. After their elimination by the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the WNBA playoffs, the franchise must begin planning for next season with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston as its cornerstones. But there are two issues that require immediate attention: Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell are both at the end of their contracts and will be unrestricted free agents.

Cunningham was Indiana's leading scorer off the bench in 2026, averaging 7.9 points per game and shooting 41.9% from three-point range in 43 games. Her production dipped during August and September, and she averaged 7.3 points in the series against Las Vegas. General manager Amber Cox valued her leadership and presence in the locker room, although she did not confirm whether the franchise will seek to re-sign her.

Stephanie White explained what Indiana needs

'Coach Stephanie White gave a hint about the direction she wants for the team. In addition to trying to retain Mitchell, she pointed out that the Fever need to find "complementary pieces for our Big 3", made up of Mitchell, Clark, and Boston.'

White described the profile she is looking for: a long, athletic forward, capable of defending the perimeter, pressuring opponents, helping on the boards, attacking the rim, and providing a constant threat from three-point range. She also highlighted the importance of getting more consistent production from the bench.

Cunningham has one of the virtues that fit that idea: outside shooting. In her two seasons with Indiana, she made 42.4% of her three-pointers. However, defense could be a decisive factor in determining her place in the project. The player herself acknowledged that she wants to raise her intensity in that area and establish herself as a 3-and-D specialist, that is, a player who contributes both on defense and in three-point shooting.

About her future, Cunningham avoided making predictions. "I don’t know what the offseason has in store for me", she said on her podcast No Hesitation.

Caitlin Clark also referred to the team’s makeup and pointed to defense as one of the areas Indiana must improve in order to compete more consistently. Her approach aligns with White’s pursuit: a team capable of maintaining its offensive production and responding better on the other side of the court.

Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever's priority

Kelsey Mitchell's situation could affect the rest of the moves. The shooting guard is coming off averaging 24.7 points per game, and the franchise has expressed its desire to keep her long term. However, Mitchell also did not guarantee her continuity and acknowledged that she will have to weigh her own interests before making a decision.

The player also spoke about the emotional toll that constant exposure surrounding the team and having to compete under the scrutiny of the fans can create. Her statements added another dimension to a negotiation that is not limited to the sporting aspect.

Clark, for her part, expressed her desire to keep playing alongside Mitchell and backed her teammate after her comments about the pressure surrounding the Fever. For Indiana, retaining one of its leading scorers appears to be one of the market’s priorities. What happens with Mitchell will also influence planning for the rest of the roster.

When will Sophie Cunningham's future be known?

The exact date of WNBA free agency for 2027 has not yet been officially confirmed. Therefore, there is no specific day to know whether Cunningham will stay in Indiana or listen to offers from other franchises. The negotiation will also depend on how the new Fever roster is resolved and how much room remains to strengthen other positions.

While awaiting that decision, Cunningham already has work scheduled. The American will play in Project B, a new international professional 5-on-5 league set to begin in 2027 and travel through cities in Europe, Asia, and America. The project was co-founded by Grady Burnett, a former Facebook and Google executive, and Geoff Prentice, co-founder of Skype, and will also feature Kelsey Mitchell. Cunningham explained that she plans to play from January to April, just before WNBA training camp. Valencia, from March 12 to 22, and Tokyo, from March 26 to April 4, are already among the confirmed stops of a competition that aims to operate with a traveling Grand Prix format.

“It’s going to be incredible. I’m going to play from January to April, until training camp begins. We’re going to be in several countries,” Cunningham said on October 5. “It will be a great opportunity to expand my brand globally, but at the same time I’ll be able to come back, keep making money, and also enjoy the offseason.”

Cunningham's continuity remains open. Her ability to score from the perimeter and her experience in the locker room work in her favor, but Indiana is looking to improve its defense and first needs to resolve Mitchell's future. Those decisions will determine how much of a place the guard will have in the project the Fever are building around Clark and Boston.