Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season due to an MCL tear in her right knee, the team confirmed on Tuesday. The injury occurred during a game against the Connecticut Sun on August 7, 2025, marking a significant setback for both Cunningham and the Fever.
Cunningham is the third Fever guard to sustain a season-ending injury in a short span of time. Teammates Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson were also sidelined following injuries in the same game, with McDonald suffering a broken bone in her foot and Colson tearing her ACL. The team’s situation worsens with Caitlin Clark, who has been out with a right groin injury for the past month, remaining uncertain for a return.
In response to the growing injury list, the Fever announced the signing of guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract while releasing guard Kyra Lambert.
Cunningham, who joined the Fever this season after being traded from the Phoenix Mercury, has made 13 starts and averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. The Fever expressed optimism regarding her recovery, noting that she is expected to make a full return following her rehabilitation.
With a current record of 19-16, Indiana sits in sixth place in the standings and is working to secure its playoff position with less than a month remaining in the regular season. The top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs, intensifying the pressure on the Fever to perform without several key players.
Prior to the game against Connecticut, Fever head coach Stephanie White addressed the situation regarding Clark, expressing hope for her return by the end of the regular season. “That’s the hope. The hope is that she’s back,” White stated, emphasizing the team’s determination to navigate through these challenges.
As the Fever prepare for their upcoming games, the impact of these injuries will be crucial for the team’s postseason aspirations. The next few weeks will be critical as they strive to overcome adversity and maintain their competitive edge in the league.
