Sports

Fever star Sophie Cunningham becomes point of inspiration

Indiana Fever On SI · Jul 21, 2026 12:29 · 2 min read

Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Becomes Point of Inspiration — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham speaks with members of the news media during a youth basketball camp for students in grades 1–8 at the Aletto Family Sports Center in Carmel, Indiana, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The camp gave participants the opportunity to develop their basketball skills through drills, instruction and games while learning from one of the WNBA’s most popular players. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham's viral pointing meme has reached the next generation.

By now everyone has seen the viral pointing meme of Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham originally directed the gesture toward former teammate DeWanna Bonner during a heated exchange in a game between the two teams. However, since then, the pointing pose has taken on a life of its own.

It has clearly reached the next generation as well. Cunningham held a youth camp in Indiana with several hundred girls and boys in attendance. Video taken by Scott Agness from the event shows that the campers were eager to do the pointing gesture themselves in photos with Cunningham.

This mirrors what has been seen at recent Fever games since the whole thing exploded.

Cunningham made it clear that this came at the behest of the kids in an interview with WISHNews8 from the camp.

"They're the ones requesting that. They're like, 'hey can you point?' And I'm like, hey, whatever you guys want. I walked in and instead of cheers and stuff, everyone pointed...yeah, I didn't mean for that meme to even become a meme, and then it kind of just went all over the world. It's been kind of funny," Cunningham said.

The Fever star emphasized how she wants to ensure she instills confidence in and encourages the young girls and boys who showed up to participate.

Point of Controversy?

Sophie Cunningham pointing — Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) points to Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner (24) after an argument broke out Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

After the pointing photos from the camp blew up, sports business reporter Darren Rovell claimed that the WNBAPA is not allowing the image to be licensed.

"The WNBA Players Association is currently prohibiting licensees from using the Sophie point, saying that it is “derogatory," he wrote.

The WNBAPA later clarified its policy to Front Office Sports.

For licensed apparel, we generally do not feature or look to monetize player conduct from a confrontation between our members,” a spokesperson said.

However, this does not prevent Cunningham from monetizing it herself, including with partner brands of the union. But any brand wanting to use WNBA or team logos would need approval from the league.

That explanation seems sound, as long as it is applied across the board and Cunningham's pointing wasn't singled out.

Regardless, the Fever star likely values the inspiration she has become more than any monetary benefit that could come along with the moment.

Cunningham has also been quite valuable to the Fever as a player this season. She ranks fifth in the WNBA in 3-point percentage (43.7%) and is averaging 9.4 points off the bench. That's to go with the intangibles that have made her a great teammate, and now a viral sensation—and inspiration.