Sophie Cunningham Hits One Million Followers and Lands Ring Deal as Fans Cheer

Congratulations have been pouring in across social media for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, whose latest milestone has turned into one of the week’s biggest WNBA talking points. The 28-year-old shooting guard woke up to an avalanche of praise after fresh news about her booming profile went public, and the internet has been celebrating her rise ever since.

Now in her first season with Indiana after a trade from the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham has quickly become an indispensable presence on and off the court. A former Missouri standout, she’s carved out a new niche as Caitlin Clark’s unofficial bodyguard, even drawing headlines last weekend when she flattened Ohio State alum Jacy Sheldon in response to a hard foul on Clark. The message was unmistakable: if officials won’t protect Clark, Cunningham will.

That brand of fearless loyalty has translated into a tidal wave of online support. Over the past few days, Cunningham’s Instagram following surged past the coveted one-million mark, cementing her place among the league’s most-followed athletes and giving the Fever an additional spotlight in an already electric season.

Her growing influence is already paying dividends. On Sunday evening, Cunningham revealed a partnership with smart-home security company Ring, signaling the first of what could be several lucrative brand collaborations now that her audience rivals those of top NBA stars. Fans applauded the move as proof that her expanding platform can translate into real-world opportunities without distracting from her game.

Predictably, the comment sections lit up with enthusiasm—ranging from simple “Yes, girl!” cheers to tongue-in-cheek pledges to buy extra security cameras in solidarity. Many supporters dubbed her “America’s newest sweetheart,” while others praised her for turning grit on the hardwood into genuine marketability. For Cunningham, the moment signals more than a payday; it underscores how a fearless playing style, a protective streak, and a savvy digital presence can converge into a breakout year that both the Fever and WNBA fans won’t soon forget.