JACKSON THOMPSON: Sophie Cunningham says she hired '24/7' security amid claim of FBI intervention
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she has hired security to travel with her around the clock, revealing a new precaution after recently describing concerns involving stalkers.
"I’ve definitely hired security," Cunningham said on her "No Hesitation" podcast with basketball trainer Drew Hanlen. "And they’re going to start traveling with me actually next week, 24/7."
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Cunningham said the attention has spread well beyond the places where basketball fans previously recognized her.
"Now it’s like it doesn’t matter what state, what city," she said. "It’s everywhere."
The disclosure follows her appearance on Theo Von’s "This Past Weekend" podcast, where she said she believed the FBI was watching approximately 20 people over concerns involving her. Cunningham did not identify those individuals or explain the agency’s involvement. Her estimate and description of the FBI’s role have not been independently verified.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reacts to a call from the referee on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, during Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Ind. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
In June, Indiana prosecutors charged Kevin Singh with felony stalking and intimidation and misdemeanor harassment in a case involving Cunningham. According to court documents cited by The Associated Press, Cunningham told investigators that the unwanted contact had caused her to have nightmares and stay home more frequently. The charges were allegations.
On "No Hesitation," Hanlen brought up her earlier stalking comments while asking how her increased visibility had changed daily life. He said he also receives hostile messages over his association with her.
Cunningham described online critics as people with "so much hatred in their heart," but said the larger adjustment has been figuring out how to maintain an ordinary routine.
"You have to kind of find a balance of getting away and making sure that you’re filling up your own cup," she said.
She said she remains willing to take photographs and sign autographs, but has started asking people to wait until she finishes eating.
"After I’m done eating, like I will sign whatever you want. I will take whatever picture you want," she said. "But right when you say yes to one person, I’m not kidding. It’s like a revolving door. It is non-stop."
Even trips home can leave her feeling she has spent more time entertaining strangers than visiting relatives, she said.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reacts against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Aug. 16, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
"I would say the boundaries is probably the biggest thing that you have to learn," Cunningham said.
The episode also featured Cunningham taking another shot at the WNBA’s selection process for its 3-point contest.
Asked whether she would rather win that competition or "Dancing with the Stars," Cunningham chose the television show while questioning whether her shooting could earn her a contest invitation.
"I think with a three-point competition, it’s just like so clearly like political. They’re going to choose random people," she said. "So, it doesn’t matter how good I do, I probably will never get chosen for that."
Cunningham shot 41.9% from 3-point range during the 2026 regular season and was not among the six players announced for July’s contest. The WNBA’s announcement highlighted the selected players’ rankings in made 3-pointers, with all six ranking in the top 10 entering play July 21.
Cunningham did not specify what she meant by "political" or identify a particular person responsible for her exclusion.
She also called for a tougher approach to coaching after Hanlen suggested some coaches do not push young female players as hard as their male counterparts.
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"Bring back hard coaching," Cunningham said.
She credited demanding coaches who cared about their players and refused to let them fall short of their potential, while arguing athletes need to accept correction.
"You can’t expect to be great and reach your fullest potential if you can’t handle someone correcting you," she said.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham plays against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 17, 2026. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
"I do think that coaches are too soft on athletes nowadays," Cunningham added.
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"Athletes, take the ownership," she said. "It’s okay for someone to chew your ass a little bit. That’s part of it because that’s what makes athletes great."
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson's reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
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