Sophie Cunningham. Image via: Reuters
The WNBA guard joined country singer Cole Swindell on the track to give the drivers their pre-race instructions at the NASCAR Cup Series championship race, the Season Finale 400. A one-year deal with Indiana expired when the season ended, so the 30-year-old guard is now an unrestricted free agent. 6 seed finished 28-16, forced a Game 3 on Oct. 1 and lost 94-83 at Michelob ULTRA Arena to the then-defending champions.
Sophie Cunningham had a busy Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Ryan Blaney took the win, and Kyle Larson finished 12th but still secured back-to-back Cup titles. The weekend came while Cunningham waits on a new contract after Indiana’s season ended in the first round. The eighth WNBA season, and second with the Fever, closed with a first-round loss to the Las Vegas Aces. The No. It was an up-and-down year, but Cunningham showed grit and hit timely baskets.
A day earlier, on Saturday, comedian Matt Rife had performed at the Fever’s home arena in her jersey, and Cunningham posted a reaction.
Because of the experience and skill set, analysts expect plenty of interest from other teams. Cunningham has also sent a message to coaches across the league calling for harder coaching. The next step is a new contract. It is unclear whether the Fever will bring the veteran back, and the answer depends on what they offer this offseason. Many still see a return to Indiana for another run at a title, with the chemistry built alongside Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Team Penske’s Blaney, 32, went on to win, while Larson, 34, secured a second straight Cup title. Two weeks earlier, Cunningham waved the checkered flag at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, as 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli moved toward becoming the youngest F1 world champion ever. Fans reacted fast on social media, calling the WNBA star “amazing and wonderful. The track has been a regular stop lately.