WNBA players don't exactly get a lot of "down time." Between the grueling 40-game season, constant cross-country flights, and the pressure of playing under the brightest spotlight the league has ever seen, a single afternoon of peace is basically a luxury.
So, when Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull were out by the pool recently, it wasn't just about catching a tan. It was a strategic retreat.
The internet, of course, had other plans for them.
What started as a simple TikTok of two Indiana Fever teammates lounging in the sun turned into a massive viral moment, complete with a healthy dose of trolling from their superstar teammate Caitlin Clark. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve likely seen the clips of the "twins" soaking up some rays before a game in Los Angeles. But there is a lot more to this "mermaid" moment than just some sunscreen and swimsuits.
The TikTok That Launched a Thousand Memes
It was a classic "game day" post. Sophie Cunningham, the veteran forward known for her grit and her "Show Me Something" podcast personality, posted a video with Lexie Hull. They were poolside, rocking matching bikinis, looking like they were living their best lives.
The caption? "Convince us there’s a swimsuit brand that wants to partner with two Indiana Fever mermaids."
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The video instantly exploded. We’re talking over two million views in a blink. Fans were obsessed with the "Tres Leches" trio—the nickname given to Clark, Cunningham, and Hull because of their tight-knit friendship and constant antics. But it was Clark’s comment that really set the comments section on fire.
While sidelined with a minor injury, Clark decided to play the role of the strict coach (mostly for laughs).
"Swimsuit brands plz comment ‘focus on basketball,’" she wrote.
When Teammates Troll, Fans Win
If you don’t follow the WNBA closely, you might think there was actual beef brewing here. Honestly, it's the exact opposite. Cunningham is basically the "enforcer" for the Fever—both on the court and in the group chat. She didn't let Clark’s comment slide.
She fired back with a (now-deleted) jab about Clark's famously pale skin, suggesting a brand should make a "full-body wetsuit" for her. On her podcast later that week, Sophie doubled down, jokingly complaining that Clark was "ruining her deals."
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"Dude, you are ruining me and Lexie’s deals," Sophie laughed. "We’re the ones who have actually been playing, and we need a little break!"
It’s this kind of "ball-busting" that has endeared this specific Fever roster to a whole new generation of fans. In a league that has historically been very serious about its image, seeing three of its biggest stars trade barbs about tanning and basketball focus is refreshing. It’s human.
The "Twin" Narrative Is Real
One of the funniest things about Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull being out by the pool is how much they actually look alike. Even team staff at Gainbridge Fieldhouse have reportedly confused the two.
- They are roughly the same height.
- They both rock the long blonde ponytail.
- They both have that high-energy, "scrappy" playstyle.
Lexie actually has a real identical twin, Lacie, who played at Stanford. But the WNBA world has essentially adopted Sophie as the third triplet. They’ve leaned into it hard, often posting the exact same comments on Clark's Instagram posts at the exact same time just to mess with her.
When they were at the pool in LA, they were essentially leaning into that "brand" they've built. It’s smart. In 2026, being a professional athlete isn't just about the points you put up on the board; it's about the personality you show off the court.
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Business Beyond the Baseline
While the pool day was a moment of relaxation, Cunningham and Hull are savvy businesswomen. They know the value of their "mermaid" post. Brands like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and Roxy actually jumped into the comments of that viral TikTok, proving that Sophie’s "call to action" worked.
This isn't just about vanity. It's about equity. For years, WNBA players had to go overseas during the winter to make a living wage. Now, thanks to the massive surge in popularity led by players like Clark and the "Tres Leches" crew, domestic endorsement deals are becoming the primary income stream for many.
If lounging by a pool in LA can lead to a partnership with a major lifestyle brand, why wouldn't they do it?
What Happens Next for the "Mermaids"?
The off-season for these two has been anything but quiet. Between acting as celebrity caddies for Caitlin Clark at the Annika Pro-Am in Florida and preparing for the second season of the Unrivaled basketball league, they are constantly on the move.
There's also the looming question of free agency and the expansion draft. With teams like the Golden State Valkyries and the Portland Fire entering the league, roster spots are getting complicated. Lexie Hull is a restricted free agent, and Sophie’s veteran presence is something the Fever front office is desperate to keep.
Whether they stay in Indiana or end up on separate coasts, the "pool day" incident proved one thing: the chemistry between these players is the real deal. It’s not a PR stunt.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Follow the "Show Me Something" Podcast: If you want the unfiltered version of these stories, Sophie’s podcast is where the real tea is spilled.
- Watch the Chemistry on Court: Keep an eye on the defensive rotations between Hull and Cunningham next season; their off-court "twin" connection often translates to an uncanny ability to read each other's movements.
- Support the Brands: When you see these athletes landing deals with non-sports brands (like the swimsuit companies they tagged), engage with those posts. It helps prove the "marketability" of the WNBA to the corporate world.
The next time you see a headline about Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull being out by the pool, don't just dismiss it as celebrity gossip. It's a snapshot of the new WNBA: a league where the stars are accessible, funny, and very aware of their power both on and off the hardwood.