Haters keep hating, But Sophie Cunningham keeps winning On and Off the court

Sophie Cunningham has faced a wave of criticism for speaking openly about women’s sports, but the Indiana Fever guard has shown no sign of backing down.

After being booed during her first game in Canada, Cunningham responded with a strong performance, a road victory and a message that recognized both the cheers and the criticism as part of competition.

Now, as the debate surrounding her continues, Cunningham is also finding major support away from the court. Her latest sponsorship post has drawn more than 172,000 likes and 2,200 comments, with followers praising her success and encouraging more brands to work with her.

Sophie stays composed under pressure

Cunningham was repeatedly booed by sections of the crowd during the Fever’s 101-95 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Rather than reacting negatively, she made all three of her three-point attempts and helped Indiana secure the road victory.

After the game, Cunningham praised the city and the crowd.

“I want to shout out the Tempo crowd and the city,” she said. “We’ve had so much fun. The crowd was absolutely amazing.”

She added that the mixed reaction was simply part of sports.

“I think that’s what sports is all about,” Cunningham said. “You’re going to get boos and you’re going to get cheers.”

Cunningham left Canada with a win, a perfect three-point record and a calm response to a difficult atmosphere.

The attention followed her earlier remarks about transgender participation in women’s sports. Cunningham said she had received criticism from people who claimed she hated transgender individuals, an accusation she rejected.

“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans,” Cunningham told ESPN. “And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’”

Cunningham said she wanted to extend love while also speaking honestly about the concerns she has for women and girls in sport.

“I think that I am here to extend love,” she said. “But I also think with that love is truth, being honest.”

She added, “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

A major new partnership

While some people continue to criticize Cunningham, her latest social-media update shows that plenty of people are eager to support her.

The Fever guard recently partnered with Once Upon a Coconut, promoting the company’s coconut-water products in a series of photographs.

Cunningham appeared in athletic wear while holding the drinks, posing beside workout equipment, sitting on a mat and relaxing in a kitchen.

“Sip happens, stay hydrated,” she wrote.

She also recommended two flavors, describing chocolate as tasting like chocolate milk and pineapple as “so fresh and clean.”

The post made clear that Cunningham’s influence extends far beyond the basketball court.

The sponsored update quickly attracted more than 172,900 likes, 2,200 comments and hundreds of reposts.

Fans praised her look, her smile and the partnership itself. One commenter simply wrote, “Big fan!”

Another said, “That smile,” while one follower promised to try the product because of Cunningham’s recommendation.

“Thank you for being a great leader girl,” the commenter wrote.

Others directly connected the sponsorship to Cunningham’s recent public stand.

“Congratulations for your bday and new sponsorship,” one supporter wrote. “Just makes me happy for your success, firm standing on your truth no matter what and for being a guardian to CC.”

Another commenter called for more companies to support her, writing, “More brands must invest in this gem.”

Standing firm and moving forward

Cunningham’s 30th birthday recently became part of the wider debate when the WNBA posted a routine birthday tribute on X.

The league’s message drew sharply divided reactions. Some people criticized Cunningham’s position, while others argued that the WNBA was benefiting from the attention surrounding her without defending her against abuse.

The controversy expanded after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced plans related to the 2027 WNBA Draft.

Meanwhile, league officials discussed transgender athletes, eligibility standards and online abuse during an anti-hate task force meeting. The WNBA said it had not identified an immediate eligibility matter requiring action.

Cunningham, however, has continued focusing on basketball, her public platform and the partnerships coming her way.

The boos may be loud, but Sophie Cunningham’s performance, popularity and growing success suggest that she is not going anywhere.

On the court, she is helping the Fever win games. Off the court, more than 172,000 people responded to her latest brand partnership.

For her supporters, that is the real answer to the critics: Sophie Cunningham keeps standing firm, and she keeps winning.