Sophie Cunningham leaves door open for emotional Phoenix Mercury reunion after Indiana comments

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Sophie Cunningham has made it clear that she sees a future in Indianapolis. But at the same time, the Indiana Fever veteran also admitted there is still a strong emotional connection to the franchise where her WNBA career began. That balance between the present and the past became the real story after Cunningham recently addressed both her Fever contract situation and her long-standing relationship with the Phoenix Mercury.

The veteran guard has become one of the most recognizable personalities on Indiana’s roster since arriving from Phoenix before the 2025 season. Even after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, the Fever still showed confidence in Cunningham by signing her to a one-year extension worth a reported $665,000. What followed, though, sparked conversation across the WNBA landscape after Cunningham publicly shared that she had hoped for a longer-term commitment rather than focusing strictly on salary. While some fans initially interpreted the comments as frustration with Indiana, Cunningham later clarified that her issue was never about money. It was about stability and building something long-term.

Now, new comments about Phoenix are adding another layer to the discussion.

Sophie Cunningham admits Phoenix still feels like home

During a recent episode of her podcast, Cunningham spoke candidly about the emotions surrounding her exit from the Mercury and why the organization still means so much to her. The former Missouri star explained that Phoenix handled the situation honestly and respectfully during trade discussions, which is one reason she still speaks so highly of the franchise.

Cunningham even hinted that finishing her career with the Mercury could remain possible someday.

“There are specific players who start their career with one team and end their career with the same exact team,” Cunningham said. “And I think I have the potential to do that in Phoenix if I wanted to.”

That comment immediately stood out considering how publicly Cunningham has embraced her time with the Fever.

The 29-year-old spent six seasons building her identity with the Mercury organization. She became a fan favorite in Phoenix because of her toughness, confidence and willingness to embrace big moments. Off the court, she also built personal business relationships and connections throughout Arizona.

That made leaving far more emotional than many fans likely realized.

The trade to Indiana became a personal leap for Cunningham

Cunningham admitted the reality of the move hit her hard once the trade officially happened. According to Cunningham, she spent an entire day crying after realizing she was leaving behind the life she had built in Phoenix. At the same time, she also understood why Indiana appealed to her personally.

Returning closer to her Midwest roots mattered. Being nearer to family and longtime friends mattered too. And professionally, the Fever offered a fresh opportunity at a pivotal stage of her career. That perspective helps explain why Cunningham’s recent contract comments were less about dissatisfaction and more about wanting permanence.

Indiana has become important to her quickly. But Phoenix still represents the place where her professional identity was formed. For many longtime athletes, both things can be true at once.

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Fever future still appears to be Cunningham’s priority

Even with the Mercury comments gaining attention, nothing Cunningham said suggested she is actively looking to leave Indiana anytime soon.

In fact, her recent remarks about wanting to establish roots in Indianapolis painted the opposite picture. Cunningham has openly discussed wanting long-term security and continuity with the Fever as the organization continues building around Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and the rest of Indiana’s young core.

That is part of why the conversation surrounding her contract became so notable in the first place. Cunningham was talking about commitment, not necessarily compensation.

Still, her latest comments showed how difficult it can be for players to completely close the chapter on the franchise where everything started.

For Cunningham, Phoenix clearly still carries that meaning.

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