Yes, Sophie Cunningham is a highly accurate shooter. During her 2026 season with the Indiana Fever, she was one of the premier long-range threats in the WNBA, making 41.9% of her 3-point attempts. Her 65.4% true-shooting percentage reflects exceptional scoring efficiency, even while playing primarily as a reserve player.
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The fact that Donald Trump minimized her scoring ability at his Ohio campaign rally is precisely why his remarks generated significant backlash.
The Core of the Controversy
• The "Backhanded" Compliment: Sports fans and analysts criticized the remarks because Trump explicitly told the crowd you would want her on a team "not to help you with points, but to help you with attendance." By framing her value entirely around her looks and her drawing power among male spectators, critics argued he completely dismissed her legitimate basketball credentials. [1] (
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• Disproportionate Focus: Commentators noted that reducing an elite professional athlete's value to ticket sales and appearance—especially someone who ranks near the top of the league in 3-point accuracy—is a reductive trope that women's sports advocates have fought against for decades.
Her On-Court Value
While her overall scoring average was 7.9 points per game in 2026 due to her role coming off the bench, her actual impact on the floor goes beyond raw volume:
• Spacing: Her 41.9% mark from deep forces opposing defenses to guard her tightly, opening up the paint for teammates.
• Clutch Production: She maintains a high offensive ceiling, evidenced by explosive performances like a 24-point game featuring six 3-pointers earlier in the season.
Ultimately, while Trump focused on her cultural popularity and ability to drive gate revenue, basketball analysts emphasize that any WNBA team pursuing her in free agency is doing so primarily for her elite floor-spacing and perimeter shooting.
