WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham revealed in a recent podcast interview that federal authorities are monitoring approximately 20 individuals for stalking her, highlighting escalating safety concerns amid the league’s growing popularity.
The Indiana Fever player made the disclosure during an appearance on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, stating that the FBI is actively tracking potential threats directed at her. Cunningham did not provide specific names but confirmed that at least one alleged stalker has been arrested and sentenced.
Kevin Singh, a 49-year-old Indiana man, was arrested in June on charges including felony stalking, intimidation, and misdemeanor harassment. According to court records, Singh repeatedly left sexually explicit messages at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Fever play, and was denied bail before being sentenced to two and a half years in prison in 2025. Cunningham humorously noted the irony of sharing a name with her pet donkey, Kevin, following Singh’s arrest.
The FBI declined to comment on Cunningham’s claims regarding the broader monitoring effort.
Context: Rising Visibility and Associated Risks
Cunningham’s remarks came as she discussed the WNBA’s surge in viewership, fueled by standout players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. She acknowledged the benefits of increased fame but emphasized the negative consequences, including persistent harassment from fans and strangers.
“People are going to know who you are, and that’s a really great thing,” Cunningham said. “But there’s also a lot of like kind of crazy people, too. Like, we do have a lot of stalkers. I know I do.”
Broader League Concerns Over Player Safety
Cunningham’s comments reflect a growing trend of high-profile athletes facing stalking and online harassment, particularly as social media amplifies visibility. The WNBA has not publicly addressed systemic measures to address such incidents, though individual teams and players have increasingly spoken out about safety protocols.
The league’s 2024 season has seen heightened scrutiny over player security, with some athletes reporting restricted movements due to stalking incidents. Cunningham’s case underscores the personal toll of such behavior, which has led to legal action against at least one individual.
Cunningham’s Public Persona and Controversies
Cunningham, a sixth-year WNBA player, has become a polarizing figure in recent years due to her public stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a 2023 interview with ESPN, she expressed concerns about biological males competing in women’s sports, stating her goal was to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Her comments have sparked debate within the sports community, with some praising her advocacy and others criticizing her stance as exclusionary. During the podcast interview, Cunningham also addressed her support for military service members, emphasizing her pride in being an American, though she clarified that her views do not represent the entire league.
Legal and Social Implications
The case of Kevin Singh illustrates the legal consequences of stalking, with felony charges reflecting the severity of his actions. Stalking laws in Indiana classify such offenses as Class 6 felonies, punishable by imprisonment, fines, and restraining orders.
Experts note that high-profile individuals, particularly women in sports, face disproportionate risks of harassment and stalking. The FBI’s involvement in Cunningham’s case suggests the potential for federal intervention in severe stalking incidents, though no further details about the monitoring of the other 19 individuals have been disclosed.
Player Reactions and League Response
While Cunningham’s revelations have drawn attention, the WNBA has not issued a formal statement regarding broader safety measures. Players have historically relied on personal security teams and social media restrictions to mitigate risks, but Cunningham’s case highlights the limitations of individual solutions in addressing systemic issues.
The league’s 2024 All-Star Game and playoff push have further amplified player visibility, raising questions about whether institutional safeguards—such as enhanced security protocols or mental health resources—will be implemented in response to growing concerns.
What’s Next?
Cunningham, set to become a free agent, continues to navigate both her athletic career and the challenges of public scrutiny. Her disclosure about the FBI’s involvement underscores the escalating risks faced by athletes in the digital age, where fame and harassment often intersect.
Federal authorities have not provided updates on the status of the other individuals Cunningham referenced. The case of Kevin Singh serves as a cautionary example of the legal repercussions stalkers may face, but it also raises broader questions about how leagues and institutions can better protect their players in an era of unprecedented visibility.