Sophie Cunningham, the dynamic WNBA player for the Phoenix Mercury, is known for her fierce on-court presence and her candid social media glimpses into her training, hikes, and daily routines. However, the athlete draws a firm line when it comes to her romantic life, keeping it fiercely private. While many of her peers openly share relationship details, Cunningham has chosen a different path, leading to public curiosity and several rumored connections over the years.
Confirmed Past: The Relationship with Jacob Neidig
Despite her general privacy, one relationship did come into the public eye. Sophie Cunningham was in a confirmed relationship with fellow University of Missouri athlete, Jacob Neidig. The pair reportedly began dating in 2019 and were not shy about showing mutual support during that time.
Fans noticed their subtle gestures and public appearances together. Cunningham shared pictures with Neidig on her social media, and he was often seen supporting her at games, even wearing her jersey. However, this chapter closed rather abruptly. By May 2020, the social media posts ceased, and the relationship ended. The reason for their split remains undisclosed to the public.
Jacob Neidig, known for his prowess in both football and basketball at the collegiate level, did not pursue a career in professional sports.
A Controversial Rumor: The Phoenix Mercury Owner Allegation
Sophie Cunningham found herself at the centre of an unexpected and serious controversy due to a lawsuit. In 2023, a lawsuit filed by Gene Traylor, a Phoenix Suns director, alleged that Cunningham had an illicit affair with Phoenix Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein.
The claim spread rapidly, causing a stir among fans. Initially silent, Cunningham later issued a strong public denial. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to state, "I am deeply saddened by the recent false accusations made against me by Gene Traylor, someone I do not know and have never met. Let me be clear: his statements are untrue and extremely hurtful." The rumor, though damaging, was an unfounded claim that placed the athlete in an unwelcome spotlight.
The Viral Meme: A Humorous Link to Cade Cunningham
In a lighter incident, Sophie Cunningham was humorously linked to NBA player Cade Cunningham (no relation) through a viral meme. This followed an on-court altercation where Sophie defended her teammate Caitlin Clark against Jacy Sheldon.
A fabricated post, showing Cade Cunningham praising Sophie's protective nature and calling her "my wife," went viral, leading to brief but widespread marriage speculation among fans. However, this was purely a made-up rumor. The two athletes are not married, have no known romantic history, and do not interact significantly on social media.
In recent interviews, Sophie Cunningham has clarified her current stance on relationships. She has expressed that she is enjoying her single life and is in no rush to enter a new relationship. Her primary focus remains firmly on her WNBA career and achieving her personal and professional goals. For now, fans can continue to follow her athletic journey, while her dating life stays respectfully off-limits.
