Phoenix, AZ – June 18, 2025 – Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, known for her fiery play and bold off-court persona, has once again set social media ablaze, this time with leaked photos from a high-profile event that have thrust her into an unprecedented spotlight. The images, which reveal approximately 90% of her body in a daring outfit, have sparked widespread debate, admiration, and controversy. In a bizarre twist, the frenzy surrounding these photos culminated in an incident at a press conference where a journalist suffered a bloody nose, reportedly due to the chaotic crowd vying for a comment from the WNBA star. The event underscores Cunningham’s growing influence as a cultural figure and the intense scrutiny that accompanies her every move.
Cunningham, a 28-year-old sharpshooter who joined the Fever in February 2025 after six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, attended the exclusive “Desert Glam” charity gala in Phoenix on June 14, 2025, hosted by a local fashion collective. The event, aimed at raising funds for women’s sports initiatives, attracted athletes, celebrities, and media. Cunningham, nicknamed “Spicy Sophie” for her gritty play and unapologetic style, arrived in a jaw-dropping ensemble: a sheer, floor-length gown with strategic embellishments that left little to the imagination. Photos captured by an attendee and leaked on X the following day went viral, amassing over 2 million views within hours. The images showcased Cunningham’s confidence, with fans praising her for redefining WNBA fashion, while critics questioned the appropriateness of her attire for a charity event.
The viral photos, shared across platforms like Instagram and Reddit, ignited a polarized reaction. Supporters lauded Cunningham’s boldness, with one X user writing, “Sophie’s out here owning every room she walks into. WNBA stars are the new fashion icons!” Others, however, deemed the outfit overly provocative, sparking debates about double standards in sports media coverage. A Reddit thread on r/wnba, garnering 1,200 upvotes, debated whether Cunningham’s off-court persona overshadows her on-court contributions, with one commenter noting, “She’s averaging 8.1 points and 4 rebounds this season, but all anyone talks about is her wardrobe.” The controversy echoes past discussions about Cunningham’s polarizing presence, including a 2022 incident in Australia where she inadvertently caused a severe injury to an opponent, requiring multiple surgeries.
