Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham Meets Michael Jordan, Serves as NASCAR Guest Reporter

During the midseason break, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reported to pit road at the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 as a guest pit road reporter and met NBA legend Michael Jordan, a co-owner of 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team.

Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever) was on pit road at the USA’s NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway on September 13, 2026, to report as a guest pit road reporter. She posed for photos with NBA legend Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, along with Jeff Gordon.

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham used the WNBA’s scheduled midseason break to head to the Enjoy Illinois 300 on September 13, 2026, to serve as a guest pit road reporter.

Cunningham added to USA Network’s race coverage as a guest pit road reporter during Stage 2, after working Stage 1. Before that, Cunningham attended the pre-race show and the official drivers meeting, where she chatted with Cup Series drivers Carson Hocevar and Riley Herbst.

The race was not even what got Cunningham the most attention. Pandemonium broke out in the media and fan zones when Cunningham was spotted shaking hands and talking with Jeff Gordon, four-time Cup Series champion and former driver, and Michael Jordan, the NBA legend and part owner of NASCAR’s 23XI Racing.

Cunningham was really enjoying her first foray into NASCAR. While she was a guest on the Kenny Wallace and John Roberts show, she was really enjoying the experience. She expressed her admiration for the racing community and gave her thoughts on the mental side of sports.

“We are in Illinois with NASCAR. This has been the best day in my life,” said Cunningham in a video posted to social media. “I feel like these are my people. I belong here.”

Cunningham said meeting fans outside of the race environment is special. “It’s been so much fun meeting these guys and racing fans, and just talking to them,” Cunningham said. “You guys are amazing.”

Cunningham got gifts from NASCAR drivers. Austin Dillon gave her a swag bag, a jacket from Chase Elliott, and a bottle of Ten Runner from Ryan Blaney.

The WNBA’s presence outside of basketball is growing. Cunningham, an extroverted media personality, connected two different worlds of sport.

For NASCAR, having a top WNBA star showcases its work, reaches new audiences, and diversifies its fan base. Meanwhile, for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA, it shows the value and appeal their athletes have across other sports, and how they can generate good press for the leagues they represent without stepping on the court.

Sophie Cunningham will return to her position with the Indiana Fever once the team resumes its WNBA schedule following the midseason break. For now, USA Network is keeping whether her pit road reporting role will continue a well-kept secret. However, she clearly made a positive impression for future media roles.

Did Sophie Cunningham meet Michael Jordan at a NASCAR race?
Yes. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham met NBA legend and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan at the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race on September 13, 2026.

What was Sophie Cunningham’s role at the NASCAR race?
She served as a special guest pit road reporter for USA Network’s broadcast, contributing to the coverage between Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the race.

Where did the NASCAR event take place?
The event took place at the World Wide Technology Raceway, located near St. Louis, Missouri.