During Sunday’s game at the United Center, where the Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky 93-78, Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss made waves by publicly inviting WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham to consider a wrestling career. Buss’s outreach came after Cunningham’s recognized role as a tenacious enforcer on the basketball court caught the attention of the professional wrestling world.

Performance Highlights Leading Up to the Offer

Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded the Fever’s offense with 35 points and six assists on efficient shooting, supported by Aliyah Boston’s double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Aari McDonald and Makayla Timpson also contributed double-digit scoring with 10 and 14 points respectively. Although Cunningham recorded only five points on 1-of-6 shooting, her physical style and competitive nature remained prominent throughout the matchup.

From WNBA Reserve to Wrestling Prospect

Cunningham recently marked her 200th WNBA game on July 16 and has cemented herself as a dependable scoring option off the bench for Indiana. Acquired in a complex four-team trade from the Phoenix Mercury on January 31, she shifted from averaging 7.7 points over six seasons to complement stars like Mitchell and Caitlin Clark. This season, Cunningham has averaged 7.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.4% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Jeanie Buss’s Wrestling Invitation Reflects Cunningham’s Unique Appeal

Jeanie Buss, who co-owns Women of Wrestling (WOW), a promotion she revived in 2019 after its 2000 founding, spotted Cunningham’s mix of grit and showmanship, qualities WOW values highly. Responding on social media, Buss expressed enthusiasm for Cunningham joining WOW, saying,

We would love to have @SophieCunning5 join us at @wowsuperheroes she is talented, dedicated and a fierce competitor!!

—Jeanie Buss, Los Angeles Lakers president

Potential Impact and Future Possibilities for Cunningham

While Sophie Cunningham continues to contribute significantly to the Indiana Fever’s efforts on the basketball court, Buss’s invitation opens the door to an intriguing new career opportunity. Cunningham’s blend of athletic skill and competitive spirit could translate well into the theatrical and physical demands of professional wrestling, potentially expanding her profile beyond basketball. As both sports continue to value versatility and persona, this crossover offer may mark the start of a unique dual-sport journey for Cunningham.