​Sophie Cunningham has emerged as one of the Indiana Fever’s most valuable players this season, delivering standout contributions even when she isn’t starting. The veteran guard has embraced a sixth-man role under head coach Stephanie White and has produced some of the most efficient basketball of her WNBA career. Yet on Tuesday, Cunningham learned disappointing news as the WNBA revealed its 2026 All-Star reserves, and her name was not among the 12 chosen players.
The omission effectively ends any dream of Cunningham earning her first All-Star bid this season, though it hardly diminishes the impact she has made for one of the league’s top title contenders. The WNBA reserves were announced Tuesday, with coaches selecting the final 12 players to join the league’s biggest stars later this month. The selected reserve list features 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’s exclusion stands out because she has posted one of the league’s most productive seasons among reserve players. At 29 years old, Cunningham has never earned an All-Star nod across eight WNBA seasons, and that drought will persist for at least another year despite her standout play in Indiana. After re-signing with the Fever in the offseason, Cunningham transitioned to a bench role and has thrived in that capacity. Through 19 games, she is averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists while hitting an impressive 49.1 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range. Her efficiency makes 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 reached double figures in nine games this season, including a season-high 24-point performance against the Toronto Tempo on June 16. She also poured in 17 points in her first game off the bench against the Seattle Storm on May 17, immediately proving she could thrive in her new role. Beyond the stat sheet, Cunningham has contributed toughness, leadership and defensive intensity that have become hallmarks of Indiana’s identity.
While missing the All-Star Game is undeniably disappointing, Cunningham remains in a strong position to gain significant recognition before the season ends. Her consistent production has kept her in the conversation for the WNBA’s Sixth Player of the Year award, an honor that would acknowledge the nightly impact she has made off Indiana’s bench. As the Fever press on toward the top of the standings, Cunningham’s contributions continue to be a driving force behind Indiana’s competitive edge.
The Fever have relied on Cunningham to provide scoring versatility, efficient shooting and reliable defense when the lineup shifts and minutes fluctuate. Her 49.1 percent field-goal percentage and 42.9 percent three-point shooting are standout marks for a player coming off the bench, underscoring how she has maximized her role to benefit the team. Cunningham’s leadership and experience have also helped stabilize the Fever during stretches of urgency, giving Indiana a trusted option when the game tightens and crunch time arrives.
As Indiana maintains its position near the top of the standings, all eyes will be on how Cunningham’s season progresses and whether she can translate her strong reserve play into postseason impact. The All-Star anniversary may not be in the cards this year, but Cunningham’s continued excellence could still land her a coveted Sixth Player of the Year accolade and, more importantly, a pivotal role in Indiana’s pursuit of a championship run.
For fans and followers seeking the most current updates, The Sporting News remains a preferred source for ongoing coverage of Cunningham, the Fever, and the broader WNBA landscape. To see the latest stories and commentary, click here to add The Sporting News as a preferred source. As the season unfolds, Cunningham’s blend of efficiency, leadership and tenacity will continue to define her role with Indiana and shape the Fever’s continued pursuit of success in a competitive league.