“Sis, You Play in Indiana”: Jemele Hill Destroys Sophie Cunningham Over Tone-Deaf Comments About WNBA Expansion Cities

Sophie Cunningham probably didn’t expect her comments to ignite a firestorm—but that’s exactly what happened after the Indiana Fever guard made some rather dismissive remarks about the WNBA’s newest expansion plans. And when journalist Jemele Hill stepped in with a simple but stinging response, the internet took notice.

The WNBA recently announced a bold step forward for the league’s future: three new franchises will be added by 2030, raising the total number of teams to 18. The cities of Detroit and Cleveland—both of which once hosted WNBA teams in the past—will be making a return, while Philadelphia will welcome women’s professional basketball for the very first time.

For many fans, players, and analysts, this expansion is a long-awaited sign that the league is finally moving toward broader national recognition and investment. But not everyone seemed impressed—particularly Sophie Cunningham, who threw cold water on the enthusiasm with a few words that many perceived as disrespectful.

“I’m not so sure what the thought process is there,” Cunningham said earlier this week when asked about the expansion cities. “I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland].”

Those remarks landed like a slap in the face—especially for fans from those cities who have been hungry to see women’s basketball return and thrive.

Enter Jemele Hill.

A proud Detroit native and seasoned journalist with a long track record of championing women’s sports, Hill didn’t hesitate to call Cunningham out. She delivered a short but devastating rebuttal that instantly went viral:

“Sis, you play in Indiana. No disrespect.”

With that single sentence, Hill flipped the script. The tweet—viewed over 1.3 million times—became a rallying cry for fans from so-called “unsexy markets,” and a blunt reminder that basketball legacy doesn’t only belong to coastal elites or major media hubs.

Because here’s the thing: Sophie Cunningham’s criticism wasn’t just about geography—it was about perception. In the eyes of some, cities like Detroit and Cleveland carry outdated reputations of economic struggle, population decline, and faded glory. But what many forget is that these cities also have rich sports traditions, die-hard fanbases, and a deep hunger to support women’s professional teams.

Detroit: More Than Just Motor City

Detroit, for example, isn’t new to women’s basketball. The city was once home to the Detroit Shock, a WNBA franchise that won three championships before relocating to Tulsa in 2010 (and eventually becoming the Dallas Wings). The city has a rich basketball culture, from high school dynasties to Pistons legends like Isiah Thomas, Ben Wallace, and Chauncey Billups. And it’s not just the men’s game—Detroit has always produced elite female hoopers and supported grassroots women’s basketball.

So when Sophie Cunningham suggested Detroit wasn’t worthy of a return, it wasn’t just inaccurate—it felt insulting.

Jemele Hill, who has spent her entire career representing Detroit on the national stage, wasn’t going to let that slide.

In many ways, Hill’s tweet said what many were already thinking: How can you, a player representing Indiana—a state with its own underdog reputation—look down on other cities fighting for visibility and recognition?

Indiana Deserves Respect—But So Do Others

Now, let’s be clear: Hill’s “no disrespect” wasn’t a jab at Indiana itself. Indiana is one of the most passionate basketball states in America. The Hoosiers. The Pacers. The legendary high school rivalries. And now, the Indiana Fever—with Caitlin Clark, the most anticipated rookie in WNBA history—are back in the spotlight.

But that’s what made Cunningham’s comments even more puzzling. Of all people, someone who plays in Indianapolis should understand the power of a supportive, passionate fanbase in a so-called “small market.” The city may not be flashy, but it lives and breathes hoops.

Caitlin Clark’s arrival has brought sell-out crowds, national TV ratings, and a revived sense of pride to the Fever franchise. Fans from across the Midwest have rallied behind the team. Cunningham’s decision to throw shade at other Midwestern cities, while wearing an Indiana jersey, didn’t just sound elitist—it came off as tone-deaf.

Cleveland: The Heart of a Comeback

Let’s not forget Cleveland either. The Cleveland Rockers were one of the original eight WNBA teams when the league launched in 1997. While the franchise folded in 2003, the city has never stopped caring about basketball.

Cleveland is home to LeBron James, one of the greatest to ever do it. Cavs fans are fiercely loyal. The city has shown over and over that it’s capable of supporting professional sports—through the good, the bad, and the unforgettable.

A WNBA return to Cleveland isn’t some wild experiment—it’s a homecoming.

Philadelphia: A New Frontier with Massive Potential

Though Cunningham didn’t specifically mention Philadelphia, it’s clear she chose to leave that city out of her criticism. Smart move. Philly is known for its unapologetic sports culture and loyal (some might say ferocious) fans. The city has embraced the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers through generations of heartbreak and triumph.

There’s every reason to believe a WNBA team would thrive there. Philly has a vibrant women’s basketball scene at the college level, a large population base, and major media backing. Add to that a passionate sports culture, and it’s not hard to imagine WNBA games in the city becoming must-watch events.

Why Comments Like Cunningham’s Hurt the League

The WNBA is growing. The media attention is rising. Stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu are helping bring the league into a new era. And as it expands, it needs more ambassadors, not gatekeepers.

That’s why Sophie Cunningham’s comments struck a nerve. At a moment when the league is finally turning the corner in terms of visibility, money, and investment, the last thing it needs is one of its own publicly questioning whether certain cities are “good enough” to be part of the movement.

This isn’t about personal opinion—it’s about optics, unity, and growth.

Because here’s the truth: If women’s sports are going to thrive, they need everyone—fans, players, media—to believe in the vision and speak life into it. Not undermine it from within.

The Power of a Clapback

Jemele Hill’s viral tweet didn’t just call Sophie Cunningham out. It sparked a larger conversation about how we define basketball cities, who gets to have a professional team, and why old narratives need to be challenged.

Sometimes it takes just one line to expose the double standards, the blind spots, and the lack of awareness. And Hill delivered that line with precision.

For Cunningham, this moment could be a learning experience. There’s no doubt she’s a talented player. But being part of the WNBA also means being part of something bigger—a league that’s fighting for respect, investment, and representation.

And that fight includes cities like Detroit and Cleveland.

Final Thoughts

As the WNBA prepares to enter a new era, it will need all hands on deck—on and off the court. That means players supporting expansion, media amplifying growth, and fans embracing the sport wherever it finds a home.

Because if Indiana—with its passionate heartland base—can become the epicenter of women’s basketball thanks to Caitlin Clark, then who’s to say Detroit and Cleveland can’t do the same?

And next time someone questions whether those cities are worthy of a WNBA franchise, just remember what Jemele Hill said:

“Sis, you play in Indiana.”

Mic drop.