Sophie Cunningham Boldly Risks Backlash After Joking About Replacing Missouri Governor

Sophie Cunningham hosted her annual Classic basketball tournament with the help of her sponsors and the State government.

Sophie Cunningham Boldly Risks Backlash After Joking About Replacing Missouri Governor

Sophie Cunningham visited the Missouri Governor's office (Image via FirstSportz)

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Even before she came to the Indiana Fever, there was no doubt that Sophie Cunningham had both a mischievous side and an extremely competitive side to her.

It was just that coming to the Indianapolis-based squad via trade helped the millions of new fans get acquainted with her ways. Those fans truly took to the Missouri native after she essentially became superstar guard Caitlin Clark‘s enforcer.

Since then, her social media pages have ballooned to host hundreds of thousands, and in Instagram’s case, more than a million followers. That has helped her to become quite popular amongst the who’s who in the worlds she operates in.

For instance, the 29-year-old has been hosting her annual Sophie Cunningham Classic basketball tournament for quite a few years. But since she has a strong fan following now, not only did the coverage of that tournament go up, but many were supporting the event.

I know some people say I’m the Mayor of Columbia, but I’ve been thinking BIGGER here lately. Governor Cunningham might have a better ring to it. Scoot over, Governor Mike Kehoe, and Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger. (Is it allowed to joke with important ppl?… guess I’ll find out)

Sophie Cunningham wrote on X

This was the Indiana Fever star’s post with a photo showing her seated with her feet up on the desk of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Missouri, David Wasinger.

For someone who is not afraid to handle controversial topics, the Missouri native boldly risked facing some backlash, as the current political situation in the country could lead to some retorts.

Sophie Cunningham hosted hordes of fans at her tournament

Sophie Cunnigham has been busy in a different way this offseason. Last year, when she was with the Phoenix Mercury, she would work with the Suns’ NBA broadcast team.

Sophie Cunningham signing a fan's jersey at her Classic tournament
Sophie Cunningham signing a fan’s jersey at her Classic tournament (Image via SophieCunninghamClassic/IG)

Then, after her supposed affair with a senior executive and eventual trade to Indiana, the seven-year veteran utilized her newfound fame to chart different waters.

Appearances on Good Morning America, working with her endorsement partners, and the occasional golf tournament to hang out with Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull have been the highlights so far.

Then, she traveled back home, where she and her older sister, Lindsey Cunningham, host the annual Sophie Cunningham Classic basketball tournament.

This time, the Fever star had the support of her team and the backing of the plethora of sponsors she signed in 2025. Clips from the tournament show fans of all ages lined up with Adidas sweatbands, waiting to get an autograph from their favorite resident Missouri native.

Sophie Cunningham heads back to support the Indiana Pacers

After helping Missouri natives watch some high-quality high school basketball, Sophie Cunningham traveled back to her workplace in the state of Indiana.

She was pictured sitting courtside to support the Indiana Pacers as they took on the Boston Celtics. When Fever posted this picture on their socials, it left fans wondering if she was confirmed to return this season.

After all, she is a free agent, just like most of the players in the WNBA this season. With the CBA still undecided, the league had allowed teams to hand out qualifying offers.

Some fans felt this presence at the Pacers’ game seemingly confirmed that the 6′ 1″ guard may have either received an offer, or was in to discuss terms of her next contract.

However, it was most likely a trip to have the medical team analyze her recovery from the torn ACL she suffered last season, as the WNBA and the players’ union have informed teams that no offers should be made until the next CBA is signed.

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