She’s Making Money! We’re talking about Sophie Cunningham, who just landed a major partnership alongside Kevin Durant, Azzi Fudd, and Derrick White as part of a collaboration with Spindrift, a natural beverage brand making big strides. She has got Patricof Co, the advisory platform for elite athletes, to thank for that. But if the Fever guard was ever looking to make a bigger move, she’s straight-up laying her trust in a WNBA legend.
Despite all the chemistry we have seen Cunningham share with Caitlin Clark and her Fever teammates, those are not the names she is picking. Instead, it’s her former running mate from Phoenix. And there’s a reason behind choosing her, too.
Well, that’s because before being traded to the Fever, Sophie played for the Phoenix Mercury, where she had the opportunity to share the court—and the spotlight—with arguably the WNBA GOAT: Diana Taurasi. It’s been over a year since they last suited up together, but when asked who her ideal WNBA business partner would be, Cunningham didn’t hesitate to name Taurasi. “I like that. I’d probably go Diana Taurasi because she has the finances,” she shared with a smile.
And honestly, we get why. A WNBA legend whose illustrious career includes 11 All-Star selections, and an estimated net worth of $3.5 million. So, you know Taurasi isn’t just a basketball icon; she’s a growing force in media and brand partnerships.
Starting a business? pic.twitter.com/o4H2acdjab
— Lexie Hull and Sophie C reposts TikTok (@HullTiktok) July 22, 2025
Even post-retirement, she’s co-hosting The Bird & Taurasi Show, starring in her own Prime Video docuseries Taurasi, and even collaborating with LeBron James on a signature Nike sneaker. A business partnership with someone like her would instantly elevate anyone’s brand profile and credibility.
And yes, it doesn’t stop there. The 2024 Olympic gold medalist boasts an impressive portfolio of endorsements, including Nike, BodyArmor, Coca-Cola, State Farm, Waymo, Deloitte, JBL, and more. Just her deal with BodyArmor alone is estimated to be worth around $1.35 million.
And not just that, she was also one of the highest-paid players in WNBA history, retiring with a supermax salary of around $234,000 per year. Is it all? Not really, because add to that her international stints, wherein she played nearly ten seasons overseas in Russia and Turkey, where she often made over $1 million per season. In fact, she once skipped an entire WNBA season at her Russian team’s request, reportedly earning $1.5 million for that alone.
So, for Sophie, teaming up with Taurasi is a win-win—someone who matches her relentless work ethic and brings a whole new level of star power and visibility. No wonder she joked, “And then the business would be like being on a yacht, on a boat, on a lake or on the ocean… you know, drinks flowing, you’re getting a nice tan—but definitely on her budget, not mine.” That says it all. But is money the only reason to partner with Taurasi? Maybe not!
Yes, Taurasi retired, but still, she’s got a great impact on Sophie Cunningham!
Diana Taurasi’s legendary influence on the WNBA isn’t just about her stats—it’s about how she mentors and molds the next generation. And for Sophie Cunningham, five seasons alongside Taurasi with the Mercury were nothing short of a masterclass in greatness. As Cunningham told Marca.com, “Anytime you play with the… GOAT of our game, you’re gonna learn a lot.”
She didn’t just learn how to compete—she learned how to think the game. Taurasi taught her everything from the importance of keeping her head on a swivel to always being ready for the ball, anticipating the kind of next-level playmaking only a high-IQ guard can deliver. Well, that foundation helped Sophie develop the awareness and toughness needed to thrive alongside elite talent.
Syndication: USA TODAY Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi smiles after hitting a three-pointer on Sept. 19, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. McLean , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xOwenxZiliakx USATSI_25509555
And Taurasi’s impact didn’t stop at basketball skills—it was about mindset. “At the end of the day, everybody can shoot… If you’re cutting and open, you’re going to get the ball, so you just have to be ready for that,” Cunningham emphasized. That level of awareness and confidence is now proving crucial as she adjusts to playing with another generational point guard—Caitlin Clark.
So, as Cunningham builds her on-court chemistry with Clark, she’s also eyeing off-court greatness.
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