Sophie Cunningham’s Jersey Sells Out After She Steps Up for Caitlin Clark in Chaotic Fever-Sun Clash

In a WNBA season filled with drama, few moments have sparked as much fire—and fan devotion—as what unfolded Tuesday night between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun. When Sophie Cunningham threw herself into the chaos to protect rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, it wasn’t just a physical stand. It was a cultural moment.

And it paid off. Within hours, Cunningham’s jersey was completely sold out across official retail platforms.

A Moment That Shook Gainbridge Fieldhouse

What began as another tough, physical battle between two rival teams erupted late in the fourth quarter. Fever guard Caitlin Clark, already the target of rough defense all game, had been poked in the eye by Sun rookie Jacy Sheldon in the third quarter—a moment that caused visible swelling and ignited tensions on the floor.

But things didn’t end there.

With under a minute remaining and the Fever leading comfortably, Sheldon drove to the hoop again. That’s when Sophie Cunningham stepped in—grabbing Sheldon mid-air by the head and pulling her to the ground. The arena gasped. Players spilled toward the baseline. Chaos ensued.

Officials reviewed the play and handed Cunningham a Flagrant 2 foul and immediate ejection. Sheldon and teammate Lindsay Allen were also tossed after the melee escalated.

But by then, the fans had already made up their minds: Sophie wasn’t just ejected. She was exalted.

Fans Reward Loyalty with Their Wallets

Moments after the altercation, “Sophie” began trending online alongside “Caitlin Clark.” And by Wednesday morning, Cunningham’s No. 9 jersey was sold out across major online retailers, including the WNBA’s official store and Fanatics.

The sellout follows what many fans saw as a brave and emotional defense of Clark—who has become both the league’s biggest draw and the most targeted player on the court.

“She had her teammate’s back, and that’s what real teammates do,” one fan posted on X. “I’m buying her jersey today.”

Apparently, thousands did.

The Clark Effect—and the Rise of an Enforcer

Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise has brought record-breaking TV ratings, sellout crowds, and unprecedented attention to the WNBA. But it’s also made her a target.

And now, Sophie Cunningham may have emerged as Clark’s on-court bodyguard—willing to risk fines, fouls, and ejection to protect the league’s golden girl.

This isn’t the first time Cunningham’s physical style has drawn attention. Known for her gritty play and no-nonsense attitude, she was acquired by Indiana in a multi-team trade from the Phoenix Mercury and has since grown into a fan favorite—even before Tuesday night’s fireworks.

But after stepping up in defense of Clark, her popularity has officially skyrocketed.

WNBA Divided Over the Chaos

Not everyone celebrated the moment. Sun head coach Rachid Meziane called the foul “disrespectful” and said the referees lost control of the game. Fever coach Stephanie White, however, placed the blame squarely on the officiating crew:

“Everybody’s getting better, except the officials,” White said postgame. “You could feel this was going to happen.”

The incident resulted in six technicals and three ejections, making it one of the most volatile games of the season.

Bigger Than Basketball?

While the physicality on the court made headlines, the aftermath signals a deeper moment in the evolution of women’s professional basketball. The WNBA is no longer just about finesse and fundamentals—it’s about storylines, rivalries, loyalty, and personalities.

Sophie Cunningham may not have the three-point stats or fanfare of Caitlin Clark, but what she did Tuesday night turned her into something even rarer: a folk hero.

As one viral post put it:

“You don’t mess with Caitlin when Sophie’s on the floor. Period.”