Sophie Cunningham adds coconut water deal to growing endorsement portfolio originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham’s latest business move proves that her popularity extends well beyond the basketball court. The Indiana Fever guard announced a new partnership with Once Upon a Coconut on Monday, adding the beverage company to an expanding endorsement portfolio that already includes Adidas, Arby’s, Marriott Bonvoy and European Wax Center.
Cunningham revealed the deal through a playful Instagram post featuring several photos of her posing with the company’s coconut water.
“Sip happens, stay hydrated,” Cunningham wrote.
She also identified chocolate and pineapple as her two favorite flavors. Cunningham compared the chocolate drink to chocolate milk and described the pineapple option as “fresh and clean.” The partnership is more than a single sponsored social media post. According to the official announcement, Cunningham will participate in advertising, retail promotions, digital campaigns, content, appearances and other national marketing initiatives.
That makes her one of the faces of the growing coconut water brand.
Sophie Cunningham’s personality drives another partnership
Once Upon a Coconut founder and CEO John Chiorando said Cunningham’s combination of toughness, resiliency and authenticity made her an ideal fit for the company.
“There is a toughness and resiliency to her, and at the same time, compassion and camaraderie,” Chiorando said in the announcement.
He also praised Cunningham’s willingness to defend her teammates while remaining true to her personality. Those characteristics have helped make Cunningham one of the most recognizable players on the Fever’s roster.
The 29-year-old already had established herself as a productive WNBA veteran before joining Indiana in 2025. Her move to the Fever, however, placed her alongside Caitlin Clark and introduced her to a significantly larger national audience. Cunningham quickly connected with Indiana fans through her energetic play, bold fashion choices and willingness to speak her mind. She also became a prominent figure in several of the Fever’s most heated moments, strengthening her reputation as a player who will not back down from a confrontation.
Brands appear to view that image as an advantage. Cunningham’s partnerships do not all fit into the same category. Adidas connects directly to basketball. Marriott Bonvoy is built around travel, while European Wax Center occupies the beauty and personal-care space. Arby’s leaned into Cunningham’s humor and personality.
Once Upon a Coconut now adds another lifestyle product to the list.
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Cunningham’s profile continues to rise
Cunningham is averaging 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season, mostly in a reserve role. Those numbers do not tell the full story of her value to Indiana or her marketability away from basketball.
She has emerged as a dependable scorer, floor spacer and emotional presence for a Fever team attempting to make a deep postseason run. Indiana improved to 23-12 after erasing an 18-point deficit in Sunday’s 95-91 overtime victory against the Atlanta Dream. Cunningham contributed three points, seven rebounds and one assist on her birthday. Her performance was not one of her highest-scoring efforts, but Indiana still found a way to secure an important road victory.
The Fever will continue their five-game road trip Tuesday against Marina Mabrey and the Toronto Tempo. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Cunningham’s focus will return to basketball when she steps onto the court. Her latest announcement shows that the business surrounding her continues to grow at the same time.
The newest deal also gave Cunningham an opportunity to deliver another memorable slogan.
“Sip happens” may not become as famous as any phrase attached to her basketball career, but it fits the unapologetic personality that brands continue to embrace.