The search phrase “sophie cunningham wife” often trends online, leaving fans wondering if the Indiana Fever guard is married, in a relationship, or if the rumors are just noise. Sophie Cunningham is one of the most recognizable names in the WNBA, and like many athletes in the spotlight, her personal life has become the subject of speculation.
So, what’s the truth? As of September 2025, Sophie Cunningham does not have a wife, she is not married, and she has addressed rumors about her relationships directly. Here’s a complete breakdown of why this question keeps coming up, where the rumors started, and what Sophie has said herself.
Who Is Sophie Cunningham?
Before diving into the rumors about “sophie cunningham wife,” let’s look at Sophie’s background.
- Born: August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri
- College: University of Missouri, where she became the all-time scoring leader for the women’s basketball program
- WNBA Debut: Drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019
- Current Team (2025): Indiana Fever
On the court, Sophie is known for her shooting range, relentless energy, and vocal leadership. Off the court, she’s admired for her confidence, faith, and community involvement. These qualities have made her a fan favorite—but also placed her personal life under a microscope.
Is Sophie Cunningham Married?
The direct answer is: no, Sophie Cunningham is not married.
She does not have a wife, nor has she ever announced being in a marriage or long-term public partnership. In past interviews, Sophie has even made it clear that she is single. Yet, despite her openness, the phrase “sophie cunningham wife” continues to spread online.
Why Do People Think Sophie Cunningham Has a Wife?
There are a few reasons the rumor keeps coming up:
1. Public Curiosity About Female Athletes
Fans often speculate about the personal lives of women athletes more than their male counterparts. Questions about marriage, children, or relationships are common—even when athletes prefer to stay private.
2. Name Confusion
Sophie shares a last name with Cade Cunningham, an NBA player. While there is no relation, fans sometimes assume a connection, sparking unnecessary conversation about marriage and family ties.
3. Social Media Buzz
TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter amplify small details. Even a vague post or rumor can trend quickly, leading people to search terms like “sophie cunningham wife” without any real evidence.
4. Lawsuit Mentions in 2025
Earlier this year, Sophie’s name appeared in a workplace lawsuit involving her former team. Though she wasn’t accused of wrongdoing, rumors in the legal filing linked her to an executive. Sophie immediately denied the claims, calling them false and hurtful. Still, the mere mention was enough to fuel gossip about her personal relationships.
The Josh Bartelstein Rumors
The lawsuit that stirred gossip mentioned Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein. He has been married since 2022, yet rumors linked his name with Sophie.
Sophie strongly denied any romantic connection, stressing that she had never even met the individual spreading the claims. She called the allegations offensive and damaging to her character. The Suns and Mercury organization also backed her, labeling the accusations baseless.
This incident shows how quickly rumors can snowball when public figures are involved. A false claim in a lawsuit became exaggerated into whispers about Sophie having a wife or being married, even though none of it was true.
What Sophie Has Said About Relationships
Though Sophie values privacy, she has shared her views on relationships in the past:
- Faith First: Her Christian faith guides her choices in life and love. She has said that her values matter most in a partner.
- Supportive Partner: Sophie has explained that she wants someone who understands her career and supports her through the pressures of professional sports.
- Focus on Basketball: Right now, her main priority is basketball, not marriage. She’s fully committed to her role with the Indiana Fever and her development as a leader in the WNBA.
Her words underline why the rumors frustrate her. For Sophie, personal relationships should be built on trust and shared values, not on speculation from strangers.
Breaking Down the Facts
To make things crystal clear, here’s what’s true and what’s not when it comes to “sophie cunningham wife”:
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| Sophie Cunningham is married | False. She is single. |
| Sophie Cunningham has a wife | False. No evidence supports this. |
| Sophie was romantically linked to Josh Bartelstein | False. Both she and the team denied it. |
| Sophie is focused on relationships | No. Her main focus is basketball and community work. |
Sophie Cunningham in 2025: Career First
While rumors about her personal life make headlines, Sophie is focused on the game. With the Indiana Fever, she brings energy, leadership, and toughness to a young roster. She’s known for her:
- Three-point shooting in clutch moments
- Tough defense against top guards in the league
- Leadership voice in the locker room
- Community involvement with youth programs and outreach
Fans see her as one of the most passionate players in the WNBA, and her teammates rely on her grit and intensity.
Why “Sophie Cunningham Wife” Still Matters
The ongoing curiosity about Sophie’s marital status points to a bigger issue in sports culture: how female athletes are judged beyond their performance.
- Male vs. Female Scrutiny: Male athletes often avoid invasive questions about personal life. Female athletes, however, are frequently defined by their relationships, not just their achievements.
- Impact of Gossip: Rumors can harm reputations and mental health, especially when athletes are working to balance careers with private lives.
- Athlete Privacy: Sophie’s experience highlights the need to respect boundaries. Fans can admire her play without prying into unverified personal details.
Looking Ahead
As of 2025, Sophie Cunningham remains unmarried and without a wife. What lies ahead in her personal life is entirely her decision. Whether she chooses to share details publicly or keep them private, that choice deserves respect.
For now, her main goal is winning games, building chemistry with her teammates, and helping elevate the Indiana Fever as a contender in the WNBA.
Key Takeaways
- Sophie Cunningham is not married and does not have a wife.
- Rumors about her relationships have been denied by Sophie and her team.
- Her focus remains on basketball, not personal speculation.
- Fans should celebrate her career achievements, rather than fixate on gossip.
Conclusion
The question of “sophie cunningham wife” has fueled plenty of gossip, but the truth is simple: Sophie Cunningham is single, she does not have a wife, and she has been clear about rejecting false claims. What truly defines her is her grit, her game, and her leadership in the WNBA.
For fans, the best way to honor Sophie is to cheer her on the court and respect her boundaries off it. She’s proven that her legacy will be shaped by what she accomplishes in basketball—not by rumors about her private life.
So, what do you think—should athletes’ personal lives remain off-limits, or is curiosity just part of being in the spotlight? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.