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Sophie Cunningham gets disappointing WNBA news despite breakout Fever season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham has become one of the Indiana Fever's most valuable players this season, even if it hasn't always shown up in the starting lineup.
The veteran guard has embraced a sixth-player role under head coach Stephanie White and delivered arguably the most efficient basketball of her WNBA career. Despite that, Cunningham received disappointing news Tuesday when the WNBA unveiled its 2026 All-Star reserves, and her name wasn't among the 12 players selected.
While the omission ends any hopes of Cunningham earning the first All-Star nod of her career this season, it does little to diminish the impact she has made for one of the league's top contenders.
Cunningham left off WNBA All-Star roster
The WNBA announced its All-Star reserves on Tuesday, with coaches selecting the final 12 players to join the league's biggest stars later this month. The reserve class included Sonia Citron, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Marina Mabrey, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Courtney Williams, Angel Reese, Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, Kiki Iriafen and Dominique Malonga.
Cunningham was notably absent despite putting together one of the league's strongest seasons by a reserve. The 29-year-old has never earned an All-Star selection during her eight WNBA seasons, and that drought will continue for at least another year despite her standout play in Indiana.
Sophie Cunningham has flourished with the Fever
After re-signing with the Fever during the offseason, Cunningham accepted a move to the second unit and has thrived in the role. Through 19 games, she's averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting an impressive 49.1% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Her efficiency has made her one of the WNBA's most dangerous bench scorers and a perfect complement to Indiana's starting core led by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Cunningham has scored in double figures nine times this season, including a season-high 24-point performance against the Toronto Tempo on June 16. She also poured in 17 points against the Seattle Storm on May 17 in her first game coming off the bench, immediately proving she could excel in her new role. Beyond the numbers, Cunningham has provided toughness, leadership and defensive intensity that have become staples of Indiana's identity.
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Sixth Player of the Year remains a realistic goal
Although missing out on the All-Star Game is certainly disappointing, Cunningham remains in position to earn significant recognition before the season ends. Her consistent production has placed her firmly in the conversation for the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year award, an honor that would recognize the impact she has made every night off Indiana's bench.
With the Fever continuing to battle near the top of the standings and positioning themselves as championship contenders, Cunningham's importance extends well beyond individual accolades.
Indiana returns to action Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Sparks, where Cunningham will once again be counted on to provide instant offense and veteran leadership. The All-Star announcement may not have gone her way, but if Cunningham continues playing at this level, she could still finish 2026 with the first major individual award of her WNBA career.
More WNBA news:
- Angel Reese's fit with Dream questioned as Atlanta's losing streak exposes bigger issue
- Stephanie White's postgame message had Fever fans wondering the same thing about Caitlin Clark
- Sophie Cunningham brings spicy look to Vegas before Fever-Aces showdown
- Slow-motion replay of Angel Reese's controversial foul has WNBA fans saying the same thing
- Sophie Cunningham shows off toned abs in cowgirl-inspired Fever travel outfit
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