Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard, recently expanded her presence beyond basketball by attending the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The event took place in Atlanta, Georgia, where she supported fellow Arby’s-sponsored athlete Carson Kvapil, marking another high-profile appearance tied to her role as a brand ambassador for Arby’s since 2025. Cunningham showcased her enthusiasm for the sport by wearing Arby’s apparel while cheering on Kvapil, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet during the race.
“Honestly, Arby’s, I am here supporting Carson; it’s his first race here as a sponsor with Arby’s,”
Cunningham said in an interview.
This marked Cunningham’s continued connection to NASCAR, a sport she is gradually embracing. She described Kvapil as a “sweet, sweet kid” and expressed how meaningful it was to finally meet her Arby’s teammates in person.
“.@sophaller in the HOUSE representing @Arbys in Atlanta 🏀 pic.twitter.com/gWuPlmHKdV”
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports)
Previous NASCAR Engagements Highlight Cunningham’s Growing Interest
Cunningham’s involvement with NASCAR is not a new development. In November 2025, she attended the Phoenix Raceway in Arizona, where she fulfilled the role of Honorary Pace Car Driver—an experience she described as one of her dreams come true. Her off-court presence often attracts media interest, especially when paired with her connection to actress Sydney Sweeney, further boosting her profile.
Reflecting on her affinity for the sport, Cunningham shared,
“This is my third NASCAR event. I feel like these are my people, this is where I belong.”
She was quick to confirm her excitement about the Atlanta event, stating,
“So they asked if we wanted to come out to Atlanta, Georgia, and I was like, ‘Say less, clear my schedule, let’s go watch it and support Carson.’”
Despite Kvapil’s unfortunate race finish after crashing and placing 32nd, Cunningham’s unwavering support symbolizes not just cross-sport camaraderie but also a professional understanding of the challenges athletes face in competitive environments.
Cunningham’s fondness for NASCAR is also personal; she admires Hall of Fame driver Carl Edwards, who—like her—has Missouri roots, making him a local hero and inspiration.
Current WNBA Uncertainties Surround Cunningham’s Future
While Sophie Cunningham explores opportunities outside basketball, her professional future in the WNBA remains uncertain due to ongoing labor negotiations. The league is currently in a deadlock over the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), leaving free agents like Cunningham, who is unrestricted this year, without firm commitments for the 2026 season.
Typically, Cunningham would be engaged in free agency discussions or preparing to play for a new team, but current moratorium rules have paused such talks. The core impasse revolves around revenue sharing and salary cap increases. While the WNBA has agreed to housing support for developmental and professional players, players’ representatives insist on receiving a share of gross revenue, a point the league has yet to concede, preferring to base payments on net earnings.
The standstill is delaying multiple critical league processes, including free agency negotiations, the WNBA Draft, and the integration of two planned expansion teams. Until these issues are resolved, Cunningham and her fellow athletes must await progress before the 2026 season’s framework can solidify.
The Growing Intersection of Sports and Sponsorship Opportunities
Sophie Cunningham’s appearances at NASCAR events alongside her WNBA obligations highlight the evolving relationship between professional athletes and brand partnerships. Aligning with Arby’s, she exemplifies how sports figures increasingly branch into diverse arenas beyond their primary disciplines. These roles not only expand their visibility but also foster connections across different sporting communities, as seen in Cunningham’s enthusiastic support for Carson Kvapil.
This crossover showcases a broader trend in athlete engagement where shared sponsorship platforms create camaraderie and mutual promotion between seemingly unrelated sports, enriching fan experiences and enhancing marketability.
Looking ahead, as Cunningham’s WNBA status remains in flux, her growing involvement in NASCAR events may signal a wider diversification of her career interests during the basketball offseason. Whether this turns into a more permanent role or remains a supplemental activity, it contributes notable depth to her professional persona and public appeal.
.@sophaller in the HOUSE representing @Arbys in Atlanta 🏀 pic.twitter.com/gWuPlmHKdV
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) February 21, 2026
