Stalking cases renew focus on WNBA player safety
Two Indiana Fever stars have found themselves at the center of separate stalking cases, raising fresh questions about player safety across the WNBA. The incidents involving Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham unfolded differently, with one reaching a legal resolution while the other remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, the league has been strengthening its approach to protecting players on and off the court. Read on for the details behind the cases and the broader safety measures now in focus.
Lewis received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence
Michael Lewis pleaded guilty to felony stalking and misdemeanor harassment in July 2025. He received a 2½-year prison sentence under an agreement with Marion County prosecutors and received credit for time served.
The court ordered Lewis to have no contact with Caitlin Clark and to stay away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Fever events, and Indiana Pacers organization events. He was also barred from internet access during his sentence.
Sophie Cunningham faced a separate stalking case
Sophie Cunningham became the target of a separate stalking investigation in Indiana during 2026. Prosecutors charged Kevin Singh with felony stalking and intimidation, plus misdemeanor harassment.
Authorities alleged that Singh repeatedly contacted Cunningham through social media with threatening and explicit messages. The allegations concern conduct occurring over several months and remain subject to the court process.
Investigators documented contact at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
According to prosecutors, Singh’s alleged contact with Cunningham began before the case became public. Investigators said he delivered a package addressed to Cunningham at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in September 2025.
The package reportedly contained a letter and a Guns N’ Roses shirt sprayed with men’s cologne. Team security later monitored Singh’s social media activity as concerns about his conduct increased.
Cunningham described the impact of the alleged harassment
Authorities said Singh’s online messages became more threatening after team security contacted him. Cunningham told investigators that she stayed home more often and experienced nightmares as the alleged harassment continued.
She also described feeling increasingly concerned about her safety, according to the probable-cause affidavit. Those details were included in court documents cited by The Associated Press and other outlets.
Singh was arrested and charged in June 2026
Singh was arrested in June 2026 after authorities investigated the allegations involving Cunningham. Marion County prosecutors filed felony charges for stalking and intimidation, along with misdemeanor harassment.
The charges are allegations, and Singh has not been convicted in the case. A court imposed restrictions while the prosecution proceeded, including limits involving Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the case.
The two cases involve different accused men
The 2 Indiana Fever players were involved in separate cases concerning different men. Michael Lewis pleaded guilty to stalking and harassing Caitlin Clark and received a 2½-year prison sentence, while the criminal case against Kevin Singh involving Sophie Cunningham remains pending.
The incidents did not involve the same defendant or criminal proceeding. Lewis admitted guilt in Clark’s case, while the accusations against Singh remain allegations that have not resulted in a conviction.
Interesting fact: Clark set WNBA rookie records in 2024 with 769 points, 337 assists, and 122 made 3-pointers.
The WNBA pledged stronger security resources
The WNBA has expanded its security efforts as reports of abuse and threats toward players continue. In July 2026, the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association said they would continue enhancing security resources.
They also committed to proactive communication and further cooperation on player-safety concerns. The statement followed discussions about racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players.
Interesting fact: While with the Phoenix Mercury, Sophie Cunningham scored 21 points and made six 3-pointers in a 2021 playoff win over the New York Liberty.
The league strengthened its online safety measures
The WNBA launched its No Space for Hate platform in 2025 to address harmful behavior. The initiative includes enhanced technology to detect online hate, increased security measures, and expanded access to mental-health resources.
The league also introduced an enhanced Fan Code of Conduct covering behavior at games and online. Direct threats to players or league personnel may be referred to law enforcement and can result in bans from WNBA arenas and events.
Threat reports can trigger a security response
The league’s security approach extends beyond game venues to online and off-site concerns. A reported WNBA protocol uses its Global Security Operations Center to assess threats and begin investigations.
The league can then determine whether additional security resources are needed for affected players. Cases may also be referred to local authorities when law enforcement involvement is appropriate.
Player safety covers multiple locations
WNBA teams are required to maintain minimum safety measures that protect players around league activities. Security concerns can involve arenas, hotels, airports, online activity, and other locations connected with team travel.
The league has established procedures for investigating reported threats. Those measures are part of broader efforts to address player safety as the league grows.
The internet is also talking about Angel Reese revealing the long history she shares with Caitlin Clark that many WNBA fans may not know.
Clark remains one of the league’s most visible players
Interest in Clark and the WNBA has increased sharply since her arrival in the league. That visibility has also brought greater attention to player interactions, online messages, and personal security.
Clark entered the 2026 season as one of the sport’s most recognizable American athletes. The league has continued expanding security resources while managing a larger national and international audience.
In other news, Angel Reese reveals the long history she shares with Caitlin Clark that many WNBA fans may not know.
What do you think about the WNBA’s approach to player safety? Like and comment to share your thoughts.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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