Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham Suffers Season-Ending MCL Tear, Defends Connecticut Sun's Bria Hartley

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham will miss the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season due to a torn right MCL sustained during a game against the Connecticut Sun. The injury occurred when Sun guard Bria Hartley fell into Cunningham's leg in what Cunningham described as an unintentional basketball play, emphasizing that she and Hartley are good friends and there was no ill intent. Despite criticism and negative reactions from fans and Cunningham's family, including a now-deleted social media post by Cunningham's mother calling Hartley a 'disgruntled player,' Sophie defended Hartley and asked people to stop giving her heat. Cunningham confirmed she will undergo surgery and expects a four-month recovery period, maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on her rehabilitation. The Fever, already dealing with multiple injuries, will have to adjust their strategies in Cunningham's absence, while Cunningham expressed gratitude for her team's support and her love for the game. This incident has also sparked discussions about player safety and officiating in the WNBA.