Key Takeaways
- Sophie Cunningham claimed on Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast that the FBI monitors roughly 20 people over potential threats involving her, but neither the agency nor independent sources have confirmed her account.
- The Indiana Fever guard said, “We do have a lot of stalkers,” and praised her team’s security as the WNBA’s growing visibility raises concerns about player safety.
- Cunningham also cited her family’s military ties when explaining her support for standing during the national anthem, while acknowledging that other players hold different views.
Sophie Cunningham claims the FBI is monitoring approximately 20 people over potential threats involving her, revealing that the attention surrounding her WNBA career has come with some serious concerns about her personal safety.
The Indiana Fever guard made the claim during an appearance on Theo Von's This Past Weekend podcast, where she discussed stalking, security, and the less glamorous side of becoming one of the league's most recognizable personalities.
"We'll have to check if I'm even allowed to say this," Cunningham told Von before making the disclosure.
"I like have, I think, 20, I think, people kind of that the FBI are watching for me. Me alone."
Cunningham didn't identify the individuals, describe any specific threats, or explain how the FBI became involved. The agency has not publicly confirmed her account, and no independent source has verified the claim.
Still, Cunningham said the issue goes well beyond dealing with criticism on social media.
"People are going to know who you are, and that's a really great thing," she explained, acknowledging the increased visibility that has accompanied the WNBA's growing popularity.
But that attention has another side.
"We do have a lot of stalkers. I know I do," Cunningham said. "And like that's a negative side of things that people don't think about. And so you do want to feel secure."
She praised the Fever's security arrangements, emphasizing that player protection has become an increasingly important consideration as the league attracts larger audiences.
The conversation also touched on another issue that has placed Cunningham at odds with some of her fellow WNBA players: the national anthem.
Von asked about teams whose players don’t take the court during the anthem, a practice that has drawn renewed scrutiny during the WNBA Finals.
Cunningham explained that her own position is informed by her family's military connections.
"We have family members who have served," she said. "I'm going to show that support, and I'm going to give them love."
"I take a lot of pride in where I come from, and I'm proud to be an American citizen," she added.
However, Cunningham acknowledged that her personal position doesn't necessarily reflect everyone’s views in the league.
"That doesn't mean that's where everyone stands," she said.
The interview comes as Cunningham continues to draw attention for issues that extend well beyond basketball. Her opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports has sparked protests, criticism from Megan Rapinoe and support from other public figures.
"I literally don't even care what anybody says about me anymore," Cunningham said on her No Hesitation podcast. "If you're going to live by the praise, you're going to die by the hate."
