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Sophie Cunningham continues to attract attention both on and off the basketball court. Now, Colin Cowherd has added another headline to her growing profile. During a recent episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast, Cowherd asked Cunningham about her public image. The question eventually led him to call her the WNBA’s “sex symbol.” Cunningham did not take offense to the comment. Instead, she laughed and encouraged Cowherd to finish his question. “Just say it,” Cunningham told Cowherd during the interview.
Cowherd then used the phrase “sex symbol” to describe how some people view the Indiana Fever guard. Cunningham responded with humor. “That is way better,” Cunningham said. She explained that she expected Cowherd to say something completely different. The exchange quickly became one of the most discussed moments from the interview. However, Cunningham’s response focused on something bigger than the label. She discussed her relationship with femininity and basketball. Cunningham said she has always enjoyed dressing up and embracing a feminine style.
Cunningham Embraces Her Style
She explained that she has always considered herself “super girly.” Cunningham said that preference started when she was a young girl. She enjoys dresses, high heels, getting her nails done and styling her hair. At the same time, Cunningham embraces the physical side of basketball. She argued that women do not have to choose between femininity and toughness. Players can present themselves differently away from the court. Then, they can compete with intensity once the game begins. Cunningham also made an important point about other players. She said athletes should not feel pressured to dress like her. Some players prefer a more masculine style. Others enjoy makeup, dresses and other traditionally feminine fashion choices. According to Cunningham, neither approach determines how someone performs on the court. That perspective has become part of Cunningham’s public identity.
Fashion Has Become Part of Her Brand
Cunningham also explained why fashion matters from a business perspective. The WNBA has experienced tremendous attention around its players. That attention has created more opportunities for athletes to build personal brands. Cunningham understands that dynamic. She said increased attention around her game-day outfits can create business opportunities. Clothing companies have contacted her about potential partnerships. That visibility has helped Cunningham build an endorsement portfolio outside basketball. Her reported partnerships include Adidas, European Wax Center, Arby’s, Marriott Bonvoy and Quest Nutrition. Therefore, fashion represents more than simply looking good before a game. It can also create opportunities for athletes who understand how to use their visibility. Cunningham has clearly embraced that side of her career.
Her Basketball Identity Remains Important
Despite the attention surrounding her appearance, Cunningham remains known for her physical style. She has developed a reputation for competing aggressively. She also brings plenty of confidence and emotion to games. That combination helped make Cowherd’s description part of the broader conversation. He pointed out the contrast between Cunningham’s toughness and her polished game-day appearance. She understood the point and explained why she embraces both sides. Cunningham also has become closely associated with Indiana’s roster. Her willingness to compete physically has made her a noticeable presence around Caitlin Clark. That role has added another layer to her growing popularity. However, Cunningham does not appear interested in choosing between basketball and fashion. Instead, she sees both as parts of the same identity.
Cunningham Wants Young Girls to See Both Sides
Perhaps the most important part of Cunningham’s response involved young girls. She said young fans can wonder whether they can embrace femininity while playing competitive sports. Cunningham wants those girls to understand that they can do both. A young athlete can wear makeup and still play hard. She can dress up before a game and compete physically afterward. That message has become increasingly important as women’s sports receive greater attention. Players now have opportunities to build brands beyond their performances. Social media also allows fans to see athletes away from competition. Cunningham has used that environment to showcase her personality. Her fashion choices have become part of that presentation.
The Label Became Another Headline
Cowherd’s “sex symbol” comment generated plenty of reaction online. Some coverage focused on the awkward nature of the exchange. Others focused on Cunningham’s willingness to embrace the description. Cunningham herself made her position clear during the interview. She did not view the label as offensive. Instead, she redirected the conversation toward confidence and personal expression. That distinction matters because Cunningham did not suggest appearance should define a basketball player. She argued the opposite. Her message centered on having multiple sides to one’s identity. She can enjoy fashion while remaining a physical competitor. She can also use that visibility to create business opportunities.
For Cunningham, those elements do not conflict. The interview therefore became more than a headline about Cowherd’s description. It offered another look at how Cunningham approaches her growing profile. She understands that fans notice what happens on the court. She also understands they notice what happens before the opening tip. Now, the “sex symbol” label has joined the long list of headlines surrounding one of the WNBA’s most recognizable personalities. Cunningham’s response showed that she intends to control the conversation herself.
As a sportswriter I agree with what Colin Cowherd said and there is nothing wrong with calling her that.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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