In a shocking turn of events in women’s basketball, Sophie Cunningham has overtaken Caitlin Clark to claim the title of the most searched female athlete of 2025. The Indiana Fever guard, who has steadily built a solid fan base over six WNBA seasons, leveraged her trade to Indiana last offseason to rise into superstardom, capitalizing on the Fever’s newfound popularity after drafting Clark in 2024.
Cunningham quickly became a fan favorite, not just for her on-court performance, but for a moment that sent shockwaves across the league. On June 17, during a heated matchup against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham leapt to Clark’s defense, throwing Jacy Sheldon to the ground after Sheldon shoved Clark. The incident, which occurred in the second quarter, divided fans instantly: some applauded her courage, while others criticized the aggressive move. Cunningham, however, seemed unfazed, embracing the attention and controversy, which only amplified her presence in the women’s basketball conversation.
While Caitlin Clark remains arguably the biggest star in the sport, her 2025 season was hampered by injuries, limiting her to just 13 games. This setback opened the door for Cunningham to seize the spotlight, at least in terms of Google search trends. According to Google’s annual “Year in Search,” Cunningham ranked seventh overall among the most searched athletes in the U.S., making her the only woman to crack the top ten. Remarkably, Clark held the same spot in 2024, illustrating just how significantly Cunningham’s visibility surged this year.
The comparison highlights a notable shift. In 2024, the most-searched female athlete was controversial Olympic boxer Imane Khelif, with gymnastics legend Simone Biles following closely behind. Clark, despite her immense popularity, did not top the list, a reflection of her limited availability due to injury this season. Meanwhile, Cunningham’s rise illustrates the power of narrative, proximity, and the willingness to play boldly in high-stakes moments.
Importantly, this recognition does not necessarily mean Cunningham has surpassed Clark in overall stardom or influence. Google search volume reflects curiosity and engagement rather than the full scope of athletic achievement. Still, it signals a remarkable trajectory for Cunningham, whose stardom is now trending upward at an unprecedented pace. Her ability to generate buzz, polarize fans, and dominate conversation has firmly positioned her as one of the most compelling figures in women’s basketball today.
As Cunningham continues to ride this wave, the sports world will be watching closely. From clutch performances to headline-making defenses, every action she takes on and off the court contributes to a growing legend. For fans, this is more than just search metrics—it’s a story of how timing, opportunity, and audacious play can elevate an athlete from solid star to cultural phenomenon. Sophie Cunningham is no longer just part of the conversation; she is the conversation.
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