Sophie Cunningham: Partner, Age, Career, Family, House, Net Worth, and Lifestyle
Sophie Cunningham is as known for her grit and big-game energy as for her bright smile and magnetic charisma. Whether she’s draining threes for the Phoenix Mercury, lighting up post-game interviews with her sharp wit, or taking a stand on social issues, Sophie commands attention. Here’s an in-depth look at her life—on and off the hardwood.
Partner and Relationship Status
Sophie Cunningham has kept her romantic life relatively private, rarely offering details in interviews or on social media. Despite the growing fan curiosity, as of mid-2024, Sophie has not confirmed a public relationship or partner. She has said in previous interviews that she is focused on her basketball career and values her privacy off the court. While fans sometimes speculate about her dating life, she’s made it clear that she prefers to let her work, not her relationships, be in the spotlight.
Age
Born on August 16, 1996, in Columbia, Missouri, Sophie Cunningham is currently 27 years old. She’s in the prime of her career and has already achieved significant milestones in the NCAA and WNBA.
Career
Collegiate Stardom
Sophie played college basketball for the University of Missouri (Mizzou Tigers), where she became one of the most celebrated players in program history. She was a two-time All-American, three-time All-SEC First Team selection, and finished her career as Missouri’s all-time leading scorer.
WNBA Journey
Sophie was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft. Known for her energy, three-point shooting, and ability to defend multiple positions, she quickly became a fan favorite. Her fearless playing style, willingness to scrap for every possession, and her infectious enthusiasm epitomize the new wave of WNBA talent.
She played key roles in playoff runs, and her on-court chemistry with league legends like Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi further elevated her profile.
Overseas Play
Like many WNBA players, Sophie has also played professionally abroad during the WNBA offseason, most notably for teams in Australia’s WNBL, where she continued to develop her game and expand her global fanbase.
Family
Family is central to Cunningham’s identity. Sophie was born into a sports-loving family in Columbia, Missouri. Her parents, Jim and Paula Cunningham, have always been supportive of her athletic ambitions. She has an older sister, Lindsey, who played basketball at Missouri and inspired Sophie to take up the game seriously.
Sophie often shares on social media the role her family plays in keeping her grounded and motivated. The Cunningham family regularly attends her games and are some of her biggest cheerleaders.
House and Where She Lives
During the WNBA season, Sophie spends most of her time in Phoenix, Arizona, where the Mercury are based. While she keeps the specifics of her residence private for security reasons, it’s known that she enjoys a comfortable lifestyle in Phoenix. During the offseason, she often returns to her hometown in Missouri to reconnect with family and friends.
With her busy schedule—including overseas play and WNBA commitments—Sophie doesn’t spend much time in one place, but she emphasizes the importance of making wherever she stays feel like home, full of “good vibes and people.”
Net Worth
WNBA salaries have historically lagged behind their NBA counterparts, but Sophie Cunningham has supplemented her income through overseas contracts and endorsement deals. As of 2024, Sophie’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million. This figure factors in her WNBA contracts (rookie deals and subsequent extensions), endorsements, and earnings from international play.
She’s also involved in charitable endeavors and public appearances—which, along with a growing social media presence, contribute to her financial picture.
Lifestyle
Sophie leads an active, outdoorsy lifestyle—her Instagram highlights hikes, beach vacations, time spent with friends, and moments of self-care. She’s passionate about fitness, and you’ll often find her advocating for healthy living, positive mental health, and giving back to the community.
Off the court, she’s known for her humor (don’t miss her post-game interviews!), her style—including bold fashion choices—and her advocacy for women’s sports and equality. Sophie is also actively involved in youth basketball camps, using her platform to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Fun Facts
Nickname: “Sizzle,” thanks to her fiery personality on the court.
Hobbies: Boating, spikeball, hiking, and country music.
Community Work: Mentors young athletes and participates in charitable events, especially in Missouri and Phoenix.
Summary
Sophie Cunningham is a force on the court, an inspiration off it, and one of the WNBA’s most magnetic personalities. Whether she’s going to battle in crunch time, cracking jokes with rivals, or leading community outreach, Sophie brings her trademark “sizzle” everywhere she goes. Her story is a testament to hard work, family, resilience, and staying true to herself—making her a role model for basketball fans (and dreamers) everywhere.
