SAN DIEGO — Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has extended an unexpected offer to Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, inviting her to join the roster of Women of Wrestling (WOW), the all-female wrestling promotion she co-owns.
At a panel during San Diego Comic-Con this week, WOW co-founder David McLane—who launched the promotion with Buss—suggested that Cunningham’s physical style and recent on-court persona make her a natural fit for the ring. McLane called her “the Marty McSorley to Wayne Gretzky,” adding, “I would love to have Sophie in WOW.”
Buss echoed the sentiment and took to twitter to make the offer official.
We would love to have @SophieCunning5 join us at @wowsuperheroes she is talented, dedicated and a fierce competitor!! https://t.co/dRtiQdAIST
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 27, 2025
The offer follows a surge in national attention for Cunningham after a hard foul against the Connecticut Sun in June, where she appeared to step in as an enforcer to protect rookie phenom Caitlin Clark. Cunningham was fined but gained notoriety and a wave of endorsement interest.
Cunningham, 28, joined the Fever in February after spending five seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. Known for her outside shooting and gritty play, she’s averaged 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game over her WNBA career.
While there is no indication that Cunningham would be interested in moonlighting as a wrestler, the offer underscores her expanding appeal—and Buss’ willingness to blend the worlds of women’s sports and entertainment.