Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever attends the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on Sept. 13, 2026 in Madison, Ill.
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever attends the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on Sept. 13, 2026 in Madison, Ill.
While NASCAR fans had their eyes on the Illinois 300 track on Sunday, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham was the event’s social media darling, attending her first NASCAR Cup Series race as a contributor for USA Network.
With the WNBA on a break for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the Indiana Fever player was spotted shaking hands with Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, who is a co-owner of the NASCAR team 23XI Racing, and four-time NASCAR Cup Series champ Jeff Gordon on pit row at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Sophie Cunningham saying what's up to Michael Jordan and Jeff Gordon before the green flag today pic.twitter.com/vRMscBa4Zr
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 13, 2026
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She was also seen meeting several drivers, including Austin Dillon and Chase Elliott, who both gave her swag from their teams.
Looks like Sophie Cunningham is a @Hendrick9Team fan ❤️
(via @TeamHendrick) pic.twitter.com/Ds8Vlgka83
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) September 13, 2026
Dillon even told Cunningham in a Sports on Prime Video clip posted on X: “We’re huge fans. We love what you stand for,” referring to her stance against transgender women in women’s sports.
Another goodie bag for @sophaller! 👜
(via @RCRacing) https://t.co/axCH7bLf2s pic.twitter.com/g1jk6NrHuP
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) September 13, 2026
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‘Heck of a day’ at the track
Cunningham also hit the stage with former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace at a fan zone event in which she kicked a football into the crowd.
The ball reportedly hit a microphone stand near the stage with the veteran guard laughing it off, saying, “I’m so sorry. I should really not do any sport.”
Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) kicks a football into the crowd with @Kenny_Wallace & @TheJohnnyTV at @WWTRaceway! pic.twitter.com/w3zBhcx6d0
— Charlie Marlow (@CharlieMarlow_) September 13, 2026
Recapping her day on USA Network, Cunningham praised the network’s broadcasters, saying “You are the salt-of-the-earth people — truly, you guys are an amazing group of men,” adding, “I’ve had a heck of a day and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Welcome to the track, Sophie! 🏁
Sophie Cunningham takes us through her day at World Wide Technology Raceway. pic.twitter.com/LOB0VFTYOK
— NASCAR on USA (@NASCARonUSA) September 13, 2026
The Fever star will be heading back to the court once the WNBA season resumes with her team facing off against the Toronto Tempo in Friday’s game at Coca-Cola Coliseum.