The Indiana Fever currently hold a middle-tier standing in the WNBA with a 17-12 record, placing fifth overall. While they may not be the most intimidating team on the court, the Fever have distinguished themselves through their widespread popularity. Two of the team’s leading players, Aliyah Boston and Sophie Cunningham, have taken advantage of their growing fame by launching podcasts to connect with fans and explore new opportunities beyond basketball.
Both players debuted their podcasts on July 30, capitalizing on the enthusiasm of their followers. Sophie Cunningham partnered with reality TV personality and longtime friend West Wilson to launch the Show Me Something podcast, while Aliyah Boston teamed up with WNBA legend Candace Parker for her show titled Post Moves. Fans have responded enthusiastically; Cunningham’s podcast episode has surpassed 250,000 streams, and Boston’s podcast quickly rose to become the top sports podcast currently on Apple.
Coach Stephanie White Expresses Encouragement for Players’ New Projects
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White discussed the players’ podcast endeavors during an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today on Monday. Although White has not pursued her own podcast, she voiced clear support for the initiatives taken by Boston and Cunningham. Responding to ESPN analyst Ramona Shelburne’s question about her thoughts on the players’ extracurricular activities, White said,
“No, I think it’s going to be great,”
—Stephanie White, Indiana Fever Head Coach
White’s confidence stems from her awareness of the professionalism her players consistently display on the court. She emphasized that their ventures into media and entertainment will not interfere with their dedication to the team. Recognizing the limited career span of professional athletes, White supports her players pursuing opportunities like podcasting while their popularity endures.
Fever’s Growing Cultural Footprint Beyond Basketball
The podcast launches by Boston and Cunningham mark a significant step for the Indiana Fever in broadening their cultural relevance. With Boston co-hosting alongside a prominent WNBA icon and Cunningham combining her sports profile with a popular TV personality, the players are creating new platforms to engage audiences. This expansion into media not only enhances their personal brands but may also attract fresh fans to the Fever organization. Coach White’s endorsement signals a balanced approach where on-court responsibilities remain paramount, yet personal growth and external ventures are embraced.
As these podcasts gain momentum, they are likely to open further avenues for the athletes and possibly inspire other WNBA players to explore similar opportunities. The enthusiasm from fans and the team’s leadership suggests that the Fever are effectively leveraging their star power to create a lasting impact both inside and outside basketball arenas.