Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) makes a layup against the Dallas Wings during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) makes a layup against the Dallas Wings during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sophie Cunningham is putting up numbers that are pushing analysts to pay attention right now. Unpacking her on-court impact reveals why this award debate is heating up.
The conversation started when @EJayArrow, a women's basketball analyst, highlighted Cunningham's production. He posted her numbers and asked if she deserves serious Sixth Player of the Year consideration.
Cunningham is averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. She is hitting 49.1% from the field. She is also shooting 42.9% from three-point range. That ranks 5th in the entire WNBA.
She also shoots 87.2% from the free-throw line. She has played around 19 to 20 games while averaging roughly 23 minutes a night.
The WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award has specific requirements. The main rule is that players must come off the bench in more games than they start. Team success also plays a role in the final voting. Cunningham easily checks many of those boxes this year.
She provides elite floor spacing for the offense for the Indiana Pacers. This spacing helps star teammates find open lanes. Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell all benefit from her presence.
Indiana holds a 12-8 record. They sit in a strong position in the Eastern Conference standings. This level of team success could strengthen her award case as the season goes on.
She might not be the favorite right now, but she is firmly in the mix.
Where She Stands Against the Competition
Janelle Salaun is viewed as the current favorite for the award. According to NBC Sports, she averages 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. She is hitting 40.8% from the field and 38.1% from deep.
Chennedy Carter is the other major contender. Carter averages 14.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. She is hitting 60.8% overall and 52.4% from three. However, she has only played around 11 to 12 games so far.
This 2026 season looks very different from Cunningham’s previous years. Her career averages sit around 7.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. She joined Indiana in 2025 and had a great run before a torn MCL ended her season early.
Coach Stephanie White called her a "Swiss Army knife" who handles multiple roles for the team. She also highlighted her as an elite communicator who always helps teammates get into the right spots.
Do you prefer a high-scorer or a floor spacer for this award?
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Written by
Utsav Sinha
Edited by
Utsav Sinha