In the world of sports, viral moments can happen in the blink of an eye. But what happened to Phoenix Mercury’s Sophie Cunningham this week is a masterclass in how personality, humor, and a little bit of chaos can turn a simple fashion choice into a nationwide fast-food campaign

A Shirt That Started It All

It all began innocently enough. Sophie Cunningham, known for her competitive fire and playful spirit, showed up to a Mercury home game wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase: “Hot Girls Eat Arby’s.” The shirt, bold in its message and unapologetically cheeky, instantly caught the attention of fans and media alike. Cameras zoomed in on Cunningham during warmups, and soon, social media was ablaze with memes, jokes, and speculation about whether curly fries were the new superfood for WNBA athletes.

The hashtag #HotGirlsEatArbys trended on X (formerly Twitter) within hours, as fans and fellow athletes joined in the fun. “If Sophie says it, it must be true,” one fan tweeted, while another posted a photo of their own Arby’s lunch in solidarity. By tipoff, the phrase had already become a rallying cry for Mercury supporters.

The Courtside Incident That Sent the Internet Spinning

But the real viral magic happened during the second quarter. As Cunningham hustled after a loose ball, she lost her balance and tumbled into the first row—landing squarely in the lap of a surprised courtside cameraman. The moment, captured from multiple angles, was instantly replayed on the arena’s jumbotron and broadcast nationwide. In the video, Cunningham can be seen laughing as she helps the cameraman to his feet, both of them taking the mishap in stride.

Social media exploded once again. Clips of the incident racked up millions of views, with users dubbing it “the most relatable WNBA moment of the year.” Cunningham herself quickly joined the conversation, posting a selfie with the cameraman and captioning it: “Guess we’re both having a meaty day.”

The internet, already primed by her t-shirt, ran wild with the story. Memes about “falling for Arby’s” and “taking a dive for curly fries” spread across Instagram, TikTok, and X. Even Arby’s official account got in on the fun, tweeting: “We love a bold move, Sophie. DM us!”

From Viral Moment to Endorsement Deal

What happened next was something even Cunningham couldn’t have predicted. Within 48 hours, Arby’s reached out to her representatives with a limited endorsement offer. The brand, known for its playful marketing and love of viral culture, saw an opportunity to turn a spontaneous moment into a campaign celebrating boldness and authenticity.

“She made ‘Hot Girls Eat Arby’s’ a movement,” Arby’s said in a statement announcing the partnership. “Sophie embodies the unexpected, fun energy we love. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Arby’s family.”

As part of the deal, Cunningham will headline Arby’s new digital campaign, which includes social media ads, in-store promotions, and—of course—plenty of curly fries. She’ll also make appearances at select Arby’s locations and participate in community events that highlight women’s sports.

For Cunningham, the partnership is as unexpected as it is delightful. “I wore that shirt for fun,” she laughed during a press conference. “Didn’t expect free curly fries for life—but I’ll take it. Sometimes, going viral tastes better than expected.”

Embracing the Chaos—and the Opportunity

Cunningham’s ability to embrace the chaos and laugh at herself has only endeared her more to fans. “That’s just Sophie,” said Mercury teammate Diana Taurasi. “She’s always been fearless—on the court, off the court, doesn’t matter. She finds a way to make every moment fun.”

Her coach, Nate Tibbetts, echoed the sentiment. “She brings energy to our team in so many ways. This whole Arby’s thing is just another example of her personality shining through.”

The incident also highlights the evolving relationship between athletes, brands, and social media. In an age where authenticity is valued above all else, Cunningham’s genuine reaction and playful engagement with fans set her apart. Rather than shying away from the attention, she leaned in—turning a potential embarrassment into a career opportunity.

The Power of Personality in Modern Sports

Cunningham’s story is a reminder that today’s athletes are more than just competitors—they’re personalities, influencers, and, in many cases, brand ambassadors. The most successful are those who can connect with fans on a personal level, sharing not just their victories but their vulnerabilities and quirks.

“Sophie’s moment with Arby’s shows how powerful it can be when athletes are themselves,” said sports marketing expert Rachel Lee. “Fans want to see the human side. They love the hustle, but they also love the humor and the heart.”

The partnership also marks a win for the WNBA, which has increasingly embraced the individuality of its players. League officials praised Cunningham’s viral moment as an example of how women’s sports can capture the cultural zeitgeist and generate national buzz.

What’s Next for Sophie Cunningham?

With a new endorsement deal in hand and her social following at an all-time high, Cunningham is poised for even bigger things. She’s already hinted at more collaborations with Arby’s, including a potential limited-edition menu item inspired by her favorite order (“I’m a classic roast beef and curly fries girl,” she revealed). She’s also using her platform to encourage young athletes to be themselves and embrace every opportunity—even the unexpected ones.

“Life’s too short to take yourself too seriously,” Cunningham said. “Whether you’re diving for a loose ball or just having lunch, have fun with it. You never know who’s watching—or what might happen next.”

A Moment to Remember

In the end, Sophie Cunningham’s wild week is more than just a quirky sports story—it’s a testament to the power of authenticity, humor, and seizing the moment. What started as a joke on a t-shirt became a viral sensation, a brand partnership, and a reminder that sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.

As fans continue to share clips and memes, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham—and her love of Arby’s—aren’t going out of style anytime soon.