Sat May 17 19:40:00 UTC 2025: **For Immediate Release:**

**Sophie Cunningham Out for Fever’s Season Opener Against Chicago Sky**

**INDIANAPOLIS, IN** – Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the team’s highly anticipated season opener against the Chicago Sky on Saturday due to a right ankle injury. The team announced the news Friday, leaving Cunningham’s return date uncertain.

Cunningham sustained the injury during the Fever’s final preseason game against the Atlanta Dream on May 10. She rolled her ankle in the third quarter while battling for a rebound, leaving the game and not returning.

Fever coach Stephanie White addressed the situation, emphasizing a cautious approach to Cunningham’s recovery. “Sometimes you have to save players from themselves,” White stated. “Help them understand the big picture. It’s not an advantage for us if she plays, but then she blows up and has swelling or tweaks, and then is out for another two to three weeks. So I think, you know, we’ll rely on the medical staff to really evaluate where she is.”

White also playfully joked about Cunningham’s insistence on participating in a half-court shooting contest after missing several practices, calling it “fraudulent.”

Cunningham, acquired in a four-team trade earlier this year, is expected to be a key contributor to the Fever this season. The 28-year-old averaged 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds for the Phoenix Mercury in 2024.

The Fever will face the Chicago Sky, featuring Angel Reese, with Caitlin Clark leading the charge in her regular season debut. The game tips off at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The team will rely on the rest of the roster to step up in Cunningham’s absence as they navigate a busy early-season schedule with six games in the first 14 days.

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**News Article Rewrite:**

**Cunningham Sidelined, Fever Take Cautious Approach for Season Opener**

**INDIANAPOLIS –** The Indiana Fever will begin their 2024 WNBA season without guard Sophie Cunningham, who is sidelined with a right ankle injury sustained during a preseason game against the Atlanta Dream. The Fever announced Friday that Cunningham would miss Saturday’s highly-anticipated opener against the Chicago Sky, leaving her return timeline uncertain.

Cunningham’s injury occurred on May 10 when she rolled her ankle contesting a rebound against Atlanta. While the guard has reportedly been pushing to return, Fever coach Stephanie White is taking a measured approach.

“Sometimes you have to save players from themselves,” White stated, emphasizing the importance of long-term health and avoiding setbacks.

Despite missing practices, Cunningham participated in a half-court shooting contest, leading to a lighthearted moment from White. “I mean, you take off three days of practice and then come and try to get the money at a half-court shot…I think that’s a little fraudulent,” she joked.

Cunningham, acquired in a January trade, is expected to play a significant role for the Fever this season.

The Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, will face the Chicago Sky and their own prized rookie, Angel Reese, on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

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