A seven-year WNBA veteran, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham is one of the most popular players today. Traded to the Fever ahead of the 2025 season, Cunningham has had the chance to play in multiple arenas over the years, assessing how difficult or easy games can get.
While every city has its charm, some crowds are intense — sometimes enough to influence the game and players’ performance.
Sophie Cunningham Names 3 WNBA Arenas That Stand Out for Her
In a recent appearance on “The Young Man and The Three” podcast, Cunningham was asked about the arenas she’s played in and which one was the toughest.
While the 29-year-old hesitated for a bit, a few places stood out for the Fever star.
“I would say…New York is always a fun one,” Cunningham said. “I don’t know if it’s like a hard place to play, but it’s always packed and a lot of fun.”
Though there’s little that could rival the atmosphere Madison Square Garden creates, there’s another arena in New York for basketball fans to visit. The Barclays Center –home to the New York Liberty — with over 17,000 seats for basketball, first opened in 2012. And while the arena is also known for hosting electric concerts by some of the world’s biggest artists, one can always count on New York’s basketball fans to bring their A-game.
However, Cunningham described New York as more fun than difficult.
“I would say Phoenix has a great arena. Their fans are always showing out. But honestly…Minnesota. I hate playing up in Minnesota,” Cunningham said.
Having played with the Phoenix Mercury for six seasons, Cunningham is well aware of the city’s fan culture. PHX Arena has a capacity of approximately 18,000 for basketball games.
That said, Cunningham openly admitted to hating playing in Minnesota. With over a million people visiting the Target Center annually, Minnesota’s basketball culture is certainly unique. The fanbase has been growing every year — especially with the Minnesota Lynx leading the WNBA as a top seed.
Renovated in 2017, the Target Center remains one of the most iconic basketball venues.
— Sophie cunningham (@SophieCunn24) September 24, 2025
Can the Fever Meet the Lynx For the WNBA Finals?
Exceeding expectations, the Indiana Fever have reached the WNBA playoff semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces. The team pulled an impressive 2-1 upset over the Atlanta Dream, making a shot at the 2025 title a realistic target.
Unfortunately, Cunningham — sidelined with an MCL injury — won’t be able to help her team on the court. The Fever are also without Caitlin Clark (groin), Aari McDonald (foot), Sydney Colson (ACL), and Chloe Bibby (knee).
That said, if they win, the Fever have a chance to meet the Lynx in the best-of-seven WNBA finals. The Lynx, who finished with a 34-10 record, are playing the Mercury in the semifinals.
And while the Lynx might be the favorites in a matchup against the Fever, one cannot deny head coach Stephanie White’s dedication to keeping her team afloat.
Cunningham averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and one steal per game in 2025.
