WNBA cards used to be the hobby's quietest corner. Not anymore. If you've been watching the secondary market lately, you've probably noticed that the Sophie Cunningham rookie card is having a serious moment. The Phoenix Mercury guard—known as "The Mayor" in some circles and "The Enforcer" in others—has built a brand that transcends the box score.
She's tough. She's vocal. She’s honestly one of the most marketable players in the league right now.
But here’s the thing that trips up a lot of new collectors: Sophie was drafted in 2019, yet her most "official" and widely traded rookie cards didn't hit the shelves until 2021. Why? Because the WNBA card market was practically non-existent in its current form back then. When Panini finally went all-in with the Prizm brand, they back-dated "RC" logos for stars who had already been in the league a couple of years.
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Tracking Down the Right Sophie Cunningham Rookie Card
If you’re looking for the definitive rookie, you’re looking for 2021 Panini Prizm WNBA #82.
This is the one. It’s got the Phoenix Mercury jersey, the iconic Prizm shine, and that tiny "RC" badge that makes all the difference to a PSA or BGS grader. While she had some college-focused cards and very niche releases before this, the 2021 Prizm is what the "Big Three" (eBay, COMC, and PWCC) recognize as her true rookie entry.
Price-wise, it’s a wild ride. A base version of this card might only set you back $20 to $40 raw, but the parallels? That's where the money lives.
We’re talking about Silver Prizms, Mojo Prizms (/25), and the elusive Gold Prizms (/10). A 2021 Panini Prizm Sophie Cunningham Gold /10 is the "holy grail" for Mercury fans. Recently, high-grade versions of her rarer parallels have seen a spike because she’s become a bridge between the "old guard" of the WNBA and the massive explosion of interest brought in by the 2024 rookie class.
Why Investors are Actually Biting
Some people think WNBA cards are a bubble. I disagree.
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The Sophie Cunningham rookie card is a "personality play." In the hobby, you don't just bet on stats; you bet on relevance. Sophie is a regular on national broadcasts, she's got a massive social media presence, and she plays with an edge that creates viral moments. When she gets into a scrap on the court or hits a clutch triple, the sales volume on eBay for her 2021 Prizm Hyper or Ruby Wave parallels jumps almost instantly.
The Autograph Factor
If you want something with a higher floor, look at the 2021 Panini Prizm Signatures.
- These feature her on-card (or sticker) autograph.
- They are significantly rarer than the base rookie.
- The "Prizm Signatures" brand carries a prestige that newer sets like Origins or Select struggle to match.
Common Pitfalls for New Collectors
Don't get fooled by "custom" cards. If you search for Sophie on eBay, you'll see a lot of "Art Cards" or "ACEO" listings. They look cool, and they're cheap—usually under $10—but they have zero investment value. They aren't licensed by Panini or the WNBA.
Also, watch out for the 2022 and 2023 cards being labeled as rookies. Sellers do this all the time to catch unsuspecting buyers. Sophie's 2022 Prizm #114 is a great-looking card, but it’s a second-year card. It won’t have the same long-term ceiling as the #82 from the 2021 set.
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Market Outlook for 2026
As we move through 2026, the WNBA's expansion and increased TV deals are lifting all boats. Sophie is no longer just a "fan favorite" in Phoenix; she’s a household name for anyone who follows the league.
If you're hunting for a Sophie Cunningham rookie card, your best bet is to look for "Silver" parallels in a PSA 9 or 10. They offer the best balance of liquidity and scarcity. The base cards are printed in high enough volumes that they might stay flat, but those refractive Silvers are the ones that collectors fight over during the playoffs.
Basically, if you believe the WNBA is going to keep growing, holding a piece of one of its biggest personalities is just smart business.
Your Next Steps
- Check the Back: Ensure any 2021 Prizm you buy has the #82 on the back to confirm it’s the base rookie.
- Audit the Centering: 2021 Prizm WNBA was notorious for bad centering; look for cards where the borders are even before paying a premium.
- Scope the Parallels: If you find a "Mojo" or "Gold" version, check the serial number on the back to verify it matches the stated print run.