Although Sophie Cunningham does not yet know where she will play in the 2026 WNBA season, she has secured a new position as a broadcaster.
Cunningham joined the coverage staff of USA Network in 2026. Throughout the season, Cunningham will occasionally contribute to studio coverage. In addition to hosting WNBA playoff and Finals games, USA Network will broadcast 50 regular-season games as part of the league’s new media agreement, which was signed in September of last year. Throughout the season, Wednesday doubleheaders will be the network’s main attraction.
Cunningham’s choice is not very shocking.
The WNBA player discussed her love of broadcasting and her plans to pursue a career in it once she finishes playing professional basketball in an interview with Sports Illustrated last month. Although Cunningham isn’t anticipated to retire before the 2026 season, this new position may be a step toward her eventual transfer into broadcasting.
Cunningham stated to SI:
“I just love sports. I love talking to people and learning their stories. I love the ‘why,’”. “When I get asked to [commentate] for basketball, I know the game, I have the IQ for it. I see plays, I see why they do different schemes. You get to break down these elite level players and why they do what they do. I find it so fascinating, and I understand it. And, for some reason, people like to hear me break it down.
“Maybe there’s going to be a career there when I’m done playing basketball that that’s what I’ll get right into,”. “I’m excited for that.”
Cunningham spent the first six seasons of her career with the Mercury before being traded to the Fever during the previous summer. She appeared to get along well with players from Indiana, including Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark. But in August, she tore her MCL, ending her season early.
