Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has weighed in on her attention-grabbing off-the-court brand and the still-frequent chatter about her reality television aspirations – and why she was ultimately forced to decline an invitation to join ABC’s hit dance competition Dancing with the Stars.
The fiery WNBA star made her rounds on her No Hesitation podcast with coach Drew Hanlen as she admitted that she was actually in talks to compete on the beloved ballroom contest, sharing that she always knew that she would find success on the dance floor if given the chance.
However, balancing her dance aspirations with her basketball career was a no-go as staging for the ABC show begins in September immediately in the midst of the WNBA’s regular season and playoff race.
Cunningham said she is a rhythm and performance lover with a lot of moves in her bag, but a demanding schedule keeps her out of the ballroom.
WNBA star’s comments serve as a reminder that we are living in a new world at the intersection of mainstream pop culture and professional sports, especially for those high-profile WNBA players experiencing a seismic increase in public consciousness.
While Cunningham has become a fierce competitor on the court since returning to the Indiana Fever and a protector of her locker room, she’s also established herself as a prolific content creator who easily goes viral on social media.
The star guard has long been a favorite among fans for her relatable demeanor, use of humor, and warm personality, which many say would be a great fit on national television; she was originally slated to dance her way onto Dancing with the Stars before her season was postponed due to the league’s scheduling conflict.
However, as Cunningham will be shopping herself at free agency this offseason, her status as a cultural ascendant seems guaranteed.
