Basketball star Sophie Cunningham hires round-the-clock security amid stalking concerns

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she has hired security to travel with her around the clock, revealing the new precaution on her “No Hesitation” podcast with basketball trainer Drew Hanlen, after recently describing concerns involving stalkers.

“I've definitely hired security,” Cunningham said, adding that they are going to start traveling with her next week, 24/7.

She said the attention has spread well beyond the places where basketball fans previously recognized her. In her words, it does not matter what state or what city — it is 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. The material notes that her estimate and description of the FBI's role have not been independently verified.

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 material makes clear 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. She said you have to find a balance of getting away and making sure you are filling up your own cup.

She said she remains willing to take photographs and sign autographs, but has started asking people to wait until she finishes eating. After she is done eating, she said, she will sign whatever people want and take whatever picture they want — but once she says yes to one person, it becomes like a revolving door and does not stop.

Even trips home can leave her feeling she has spent more time entertaining strangers than visiting relatives, she said. Boundaries, she added, are probably the biggest thing you have to learn.

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,” she chose the television show while questioning whether her shooting could earn her a contest invitation.

She said the 3-point competition selection seems clearly political to her, that the league will choose random people, and that no matter how well she does, she will probably never be chosen. According to the material, 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 on 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. 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 cannot expect to be great and reach your full potential if you cannot handle someone correcting you, she said, adding that she thinks coaches are too soft on athletes nowadays and that athletes need to take ownership.