Sophie Cunningham hires 24/7 security after months of controversy

Sophie Cunningham has hired 24/7 security after months of controversy that followed her July comments about transgender athletes.

The WNBA free agent and Indiana Fever guard revealed the decision on her own podcast, “No Hesitation.”

She said the security team will begin traveling with her next week.

“Now it’s like, it doesn’t matter what state, what city, it’s everywhere,” Cunningham said on the podcast.

“So, I’ve definitely hired security, and they’re actually going to start traveling with me next week 24/7.”

Cunningham, 30, was already a respected veteran guard in WNBA circles before this season.

But her national profile exploded after an ESPN interview published in July.

In that interview, she said young girls “shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

The comment sparked immediate and widespread reactions across the political spectrum.

Several nationwide protests followed.

The White House issued an official statement.

Cunningham’s social media numbers also skyrocketed.

According to Brendan Kaminsky of bknown, she gained more Instagram followers this year than the other 49 most-followed WNBA players combined.

On the podcast, Cunningham described how her daily life changed.

“I was already starting…definitely in certain places people kind of knew who I was, and I couldn’t really go anywhere,” she said.

“Now it’s like, it doesn’t matter what state, what city, it’s everywhere.”

She said the constant attention disrupts her normal routine.

“But yeah, it just kind of stops you from your regular routine,” she said.

“You have to kind of find a balance of getting away and making sure that you’re filling up your own cup and doing what you’re supposed to so when you’re out, you’re able to give people your best energy too.”

Cunningham emphasized that being positive and treating people well remains important to her.

“That’s super important to me, just being nice and being positive and treating people how I wish I could be treated,” she said.

During a separate appearance on Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast, Cunningham disclosed that the FBI is monitoring about 20 people who have targeted her.

“We do have a lot of stalkers,” she said of WNBA players in general.

“I know I do. And like, that’s the negative side of things that people don’t think about.”

She added: “I have, I think, 20 … people that the FBI are watching for me. Me alone.”

This is not the first legal action related to threats against Cunningham.

In June, an Indiana man was charged in Marion County with stalking and intimidation involving Cunningham.

Both charges are Level 6 felonies.

He also faces a misdemeanor count of harassment.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the man allegedly sent Cunningham threatening messages.

The case is ongoing.

Cunningham’s rise to national prominence has been rapid.

Before this season, she was known primarily within WNBA circles as a reliable veteran guard.

She has played nine seasons in the league.

Her contract with the Indiana Fever recently expired, making her a free agent heading into the 2027 WNBA season.

She is expected to attract significant interest as a lights-out shooter.

But her profile off the court has grown even faster than her basketball reputation.

Her podcast, “No Hesitation,” now reaches fans beyond the basketball world.

In a recent episode with trainer Drew Hanlen, Cunningham asked why women’s basketball players miss so many wide-open layups compared to men.

“Why do women basketball players, why do we miss so many wide-open layups?” she asked.

“It’s a joke because it does actually happen… Like wide-open layups.”

Hanlen cited size and strength differences as possible reasons.

The rim height is the same for both men’s and women’s basketball.

The average height in the WNBA is 6’0”.

The average height in the NBA is 6’6”.

That difference may explain the disparity in layup completion rates.

Cunningham has also been outspoken on other topics.

She called out men who think they could beat WNBA players.

“I think I would cook his a-s,” she said in one interview.

She challenged podcaster Theo Von to a 1-on-1 game.

“I’m skunking him,” she said.

She has also criticized the WNBA’s three-point contest selections.

“It’s clearly so political,” she said.

And she has weighed in on the national anthem controversy.

“Of course I have thoughts,” she said.

Cunningham has described her critics as “psychotic.”

“So much hatred in their heart,” she said.

Fox News has also covered Cunningham extensively.

The network pivoted to praising her after the 2026 midterm elections.

Cunningham’s situation highlights a broader issue for WNBA players.

She noted that many players deal with stalkers.

“We do have a lot of stalkers,” she said.

But the level of attention Cunningham has received is unusual.

Her Instagram growth this year has been historic.

Kaminsky’s data showed she gained more followers than the rest of the league’s top 50 combined.

That attention comes with a price.

Cunningham now cannot go anywhere without being recognized.

She has had to adjust her daily life.

“It just kind of stops you from your regular routine,” she said.

The 24/7 security is a direct response to that reality.

It is unclear how long the security arrangement will last.

Cunningham did not specify whether the security is permanent.

She said the team will start traveling with her next week.

The free agency period for the 2027 WNBA season is approaching.

Where Cunningham signs will be closely watched.

Her basketball skills make her a valuable asset.

Her cultural profile makes her a unique marketing opportunity.

But her security needs may also factor into team decisions.

The FBI’s involvement indicates the seriousness of the threats.

Twenty people under monitoring is a significant number.

Cunningham said the FBI is watching them for her.

“Me alone,” she emphasized.

The June stalking case in Indiana remains in the courts.

The man charged has not yet been tried.

Cunningham continues to speak openly about her experience.

She uses her podcast to address both basketball and personal topics.

Her willingness to discuss the security situation is rare among athletes.

Most players keep such details private.

Cunningham chose to share it publicly.

She said she wants to maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges.

“That’s super important to me, just being nice and being positive,” she said.

Her story raises questions about the cost of fame in the modern era.

Social media amplifies both support and threats.

Cunningham experienced both extremes this year.

She went from a respected veteran to a national lightning rod.

The controversy around her July comments has not faded.

Protests and political reactions continue.

The White House statement was unprecedented for comments by a WNBA player.