The Unique Pressures on Female Athletes

For professional athletes, balancing a career with personal life is always a challenge. However, for women, this balancing act involves a unique set of obstacles that their male counterparts simply do not face. The biological reality of pregnancy means that female athletes must pause their careers for nine months, a period that doesn’t even account for the physical recovery and demands that follow childbirth.

In the world of women’s basketball, this often translates to a player missing a significant portion, if not the entirety, of a WNBA season. This decision carries immense weight, affecting team dynamics, career momentum, and personal finances. The league has seen numerous stars navigate this complex journey, highlighting the sacrifices involved.

I look like a brick" - Sophie Cunningham opens up on her fashion flair while embracing her 'feminine' spirit at 6-foot-1

High-Profile Examples in the WNBA

The list of WNBA players who have stepped away to start a family is a testament to their strength and dedication. A recent and remarkable example is Cheyenne Parker-Tyus of the Las Vegas Aces. After announcing her pregnancy during the offseason, she made an incredible return to the court for her 2025 season debut on September 9, a mere 70 days after giving birth, and went on to compete in the WNBA Finals.

Other notable players have faced similar crossroads. Dearica Hamby’s pregnancy in 2022 was followed by a trade from the Aces to the Sparks, which ultimately sparked a lawsuit. Skylar Diggins sat out the 2019 and 2023 seasons for the births of her two children. Likewise, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier played in only four games during the 2022 season after having her child. These instances underscore the difficult choices and professional implications that WNBA players must consider when planning a family.

Sophie Cunningham’s Comment Sparks Conversation

It is within this context that a recent comment from Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham has captured the attention of fans. During an October 7 episode of her podcast, Show Me Something, Cunningham was asked about her new role as an aunt to her sister’s child.

Her response was enthusiastic and heartfelt. “Dude, I’ve been on aunt duty. And it’s been so fun,” she shared. But it was her next statement, delivered with a laugh, that raised eyebrows. “I’m getting baby fever, so the world needs to watch out,” Cunningham added.

Her co-host reacted with clear surprise at the unexpected confession. Cunningham, still laughing, quickly followed up with a playful backtrack. “I think [being on aunt duty] is also really great birth control, cause like,” she said, trailing off before the conversation shifted.

Reading Between the Lines

While Cunningham’s “baby fever” remark was almost certainly a lighthearted, off-the-cuff comment made in jest, it’s the kind of statement that inevitably gets fans talking. For any professional female athlete, especially one in her prime, even a casual mention of starting a family carries a different weight. It opens up a world of questions about timing, career longevity, and future plans. Though it’s wise not to read too deeply into her words, the brief confession offers a small glimpse into the personal thoughts of an athlete navigating both a demanding career and the universal experiences of life.