Cunningham’s Instagram Surge Brings Around-the-Clock Security
Cunningham added more than 2.95 million Instagram followers between May 8 and November 2, bringing her total to about 4.36 million. That increase exceeded the combined gains of the other 49 most-followed WNBA players and the increase recorded by any NBA player in the comparison described by branding and social media agency bknown. Her following more than tripled over the period.
The 30-year-old said on her No Hesitation podcast on November 2 that security staff would begin traveling with her around the clock the following week. She described being recognized in different cities and said the attention had made it harder to keep a regular routine or spend uninterrupted time with family. Cunningham said she still welcomes meeting fans, but has been working out how to set boundaries.
Her rising profile has coincided with attention to her comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports. In July, she told ESPN she wanted to protect young girls from competing against biological men, remarks that prompted rallies at Indiana Fever games. Cunningham has also said she has about 20 stalkers whom the FBI is monitoring. A man arrested in June faces felony stalking and intimidation charges and a misdemeanor charge over a package delivered to her at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in September 2025. Cunningham is a free agent after the Fever’s first-round playoff exit.
Cunningham’s Fame Highlights the Backlash Around Transgender Athletes
Sophie Cunningham’s rapid rise in followers has come alongside a divisive debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports—and she says the attention has made everyday life harder. The Indiana Fever guard gained more than 2.95 million Instagram followers from May 8 to November 2, taking her total to about 4.36 million.
Cunningham’s July remarks to ESPN, in which she said she wanted to protect young girls from competing against biological men, prompted rallies at Fever games. She has since described unwanted attention and said she has about 20 stalkers whom the FBI is monitoring. A man arrested in June faces felony stalking and intimidation charges, as well as a misdemeanor charge, after a package was delivered to Cunningham at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in September 2025.
On her November 2 podcast, Cunningham said security staff would begin traveling with her 24 hours a day the following week. She also said fame had limited her ability to spend quality time with family and that she was learning to set boundaries, while continuing to welcome fan interactions. Her experience shows the personal costs that can accompany a highly charged public debate. Cunningham is a free agent after the Fever were eliminated in the first playoff round.
Cunningham Faces Security Burden After Speaking on Women’s Sports
Sophie Cunningham’s soaring popularity has brought a serious security concern. The Indiana Fever guard gained more than 2.95 million Instagram followers between May 8 and November 2, lifting her total to about 4.36 million—more than the combined gains of the other 49 most-followed WNBA players.
Cunningham said on her November 2 podcast that security staff would start traveling with her around the clock the following week. She has described being recognized wherever she goes, losing time with family, and needing to establish boundaries. She says she still wants to treat fans warmly and make time for them when she can.
Her profile grew amid controversy over her July comments to ESPN that she wanted to protect young girls from competing against biological men. Rallies followed at Fever games. Cunningham has said the FBI is monitoring about 20 people she considers stalkers; a man arrested in June faces felony stalking and intimidation charges and a misdemeanor charge tied to a package delivered to her at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in September 2025. The prospect of needing constant protection underscores the stakes surrounding outspoken views on fairness in women’s sports. Cunningham is a free agent after the Fever’s first-round playoff elimination.
Reported by New York Post, Sports Illustrated.
