From Courtside Drama to Pop Culture Crossovers: Sophie Cunningham Sounds Off on Indiana Fever’s Meteoric Rise, Paige Bueckers’ Rookie Buzz, and Why Everyone’s Talking About That Summer House x West Wilson Podcast Moment

Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to the spotlight. The fiery and outspoken Phoenix Mercury guard has made a name for herself not just through her sharp shooting and tenacious defense on the court, but also for her unfiltered takes off it. Whether it’s breaking down rival teams, throwing subtle shade, or diving into trending pop culture moments, Cunningham remains one of the WNBA’s most magnetic personalities.

In a recent whirlwind media appearance, Cunningham pulled no punches as she touched on three of the most buzzworthy topics swirling across the basketball and entertainment landscape: the Indiana Fever’s stunning rise, UConn phenom Paige Bueckers’ growing campaign for WNBA Rookie of the Year, and a surprising reality TV crossover involving Summer House star West Wilson.

Let’s break down everything Sophie had to say—and why it’s got fans, pundits, and even Bravo execs tuning in.

Indiana Fever: From League Laughingstock to Legit Contenders? Sophie Weighs In

To understand the magnitude of the Indiana Fever’s current moment, you have to go back just a year.

Once considered the WNBA’s most dysfunctional franchise—with coaching turnovers, lopsided losses, and a fanbase on the verge of giving up—the Fever were seemingly beyond repair. But with the arrival of Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and cultural juggernaut, things began to shift.

Now, midway through the 2025 season, the Fever are not just winning games—they’re commanding national attention. Sell-out crowds, primetime TV spots, and viral highlights have become the new norm in Indianapolis.

But Cunningham, who’s played against Clark and the revamped Fever roster multiple times this season, isn’t entirely ready to declare them a championship team just yet.

“They’ve definitely got the hype. No doubt. Caitlin brings that with her wherever she goes,” Cunningham said during a candid appearance on The Players Circle podcast. “But I think people forget how hard it is to win consistently in this league. There’s a difference between being exciting and being elite.”

Still, Cunningham acknowledged that something special is brewing in Indiana.

“Aliyah Boston is the anchor. If she continues to develop, and if Clark figures out the physicality of the league, they’re going to be a problem real soon. Maybe not this year—but next year? Watch out.”

When asked if the Fever remind her of any past teams, Cunningham pointed to the 2021 Chicago Sky—the team that rode a late-season surge to a shocking championship win.

“They’ve got that ‘clicking-at-the-right-time’ energy. It’s contagious. But let’s not crown them just yet.”

Paige Bueckers to the WNBA? Sophie Calls Her the “Silent Assassin” in ROY Talks

While Caitlin Clark continues to dominate headlines, another college star is lurking quietly in the shadows: UConn guard Paige Bueckers.

Once dubbed “Paige Buckets,” Bueckers was a national sensation before injuries temporarily slowed her ascent. But now fully healthy and back in form, rumors are heating up that she may declare early for the 2025 WNBA Draft—and some insiders already have her pegged as the future Rookie of the Year.

Sophie Cunningham is among them.

“If Paige comes into the league next year and stays healthy? She’s got ROY written all over her,” Cunningham said. “She’s like a silent assassin—less flash, more finesse. And her basketball IQ is off the charts.”

Cunningham contrasted Bueckers’ approach to that of Clark and Angel Reese, both of whom have embraced high-profile media moments and brand-building efforts.

“Look, everyone’s got their own lane. Caitlin’s the showstopper. Angel’s the powerhouse. But Paige? She’s surgical. She’ll quietly drop 28 on you and not even blink.”

The comments sparked a flurry of debate on X (formerly Twitter), with fans debating who would be the better pro. Still, most agreed: a healthy Paige Bueckers is a problem for any team.

And Cunningham had one final warning.

“The moment she steps on a W court, people better be ready. Paige doesn’t talk much, but her game is loud as hell.”

From the Hardwood to the Hamptons: Sophie Reacts to Summer House Star’s Viral Podcast Slip-Up

In a surprising left turn from basketball analysis, the interview shifted toward the intersection of sports and reality TV.

A recent episode of the Housemates Unfiltered podcast featured Summer House star West Wilson making waves for referencing Sophie Cunningham—only he seemed to have no clue who she was.

“There was this girl on the Mercury—Sophie something?” West said, laughing awkwardly. “She had, like, a scrappy vibe. I think she got in a fight once? I dunno—my ex used to follow her.”

The clip quickly went viral, with fans accusing Wilson of being dismissive and disrespectful, while others just found the whole interaction hilarious.

Sophie, true to form, had the perfect response.

“First of all, I don’t know West. But tell him thanks for the free promo,” she said with a smirk. “Second of all—‘scrappy’? I’ll take that. Just don’t forget that scrappy gets buckets.”

Cunningham also joked about her “new fanbase” among Summer House viewers.

“Apparently, I’m trending with the Bravo crowd now. Should I make an appearance next season? I can bring the drama and the three-point shot.”

The comments sparked a wave of fan edits, memes, and even petitions to get Sophie a guest spot on the show. One TikTok, featuring a mashup of Sophie’s game highlights and Summer House drama scenes, racked up over 2 million views in a single day.

Bravo has yet to respond publicly, but insiders say casting directors are “intrigued” by the crossover potential.

The Bigger Picture: Sophie’s Media Savvy is Redefining Athlete Influence

What’s perhaps most interesting about Sophie Cunningham’s recent viral streak is how it highlights a growing trend in sports: athletes as multi-platform personalities.

With stars like Clark, Reese, and Bueckers dominating on TikTok, Instagram, and in NIL deals, the modern athlete is expected to entertain just as much as compete. And Cunningham—never one to shy away from a microphone—has fully embraced that reality.

Whether she’s breaking down game film, reacting to pop culture gaffes, or throwing shade with a wink, Cunningham is positioning herself as more than just a role player. She’s becoming a brand.

“Athletes today have to own their story,” she said. “If you don’t, someone else will write it for you.”

Her take echoes the recent moves by players like Draymond Green and JJ Redick, both of whom transitioned into prominent media roles while still active in the NBA. Could Cunningham follow a similar path?

“Media’s fun, sure. But I’m not done competing,” she said. “I still love this game too much. But yeah—when the time comes, don’t be surprised if you see me behind a mic full time.”

Final Thoughts: A New Era of the WNBA, and Sophie Cunningham is Living It Loud

From court rivalries to podcast clapbacks, Cunningham’s fingerprints are all over the current WNBA zeitgeist. As the league grows—fueled by viral moments, rising stars, and cross-cultural conversations—players like Sophie are proving that today’s athletes aren’t just performers. They’re storytellers, influencers, and agents of change.

In a single interview, she managed to stir the pot on the Indiana Fever’s legitimacy, crown Paige Bueckers the future Rookie of the Year, and throw a perfectly timed jab at a reality TV star—without missing a beat.

And if that doesn’t sum up the current, chaotic, utterly compelling moment the WNBA is having?

Nothing does.