Sophie Cunningham’s Bold Comments Ignite Debate Over WNBA Expansion Plans and Spark Fiery Responses from Cleveland and Detroit Athletes

The WNBA is on the brink of major growth, with plans to welcome three new teams over the next five years. Cleveland is set to join the league in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. While this expansion signals an exciting new era for women’s basketball, not all voices are cheering—at least not without some reservations.

This week, Sophie Cunningham, a key guard for the Indiana Fever, found herself at the center of a heated conversation after she voiced sharp criticism regarding the upcoming expansion cities. Cunningham’s blunt remarks stirred up a storm, particularly among sports fans and athletes from Cleveland and Detroit, leading to a back-and-forth that lit up social media.

Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Take

During a media session, Cunningham was asked about the league’s plan to expand into new markets. Instead of a diplomatic answer, she gave a candid and rather critical perspective. Cunningham questioned the enthusiasm and support these cities might bring to WNBA basketball, particularly targeting Cleveland and Detroit.

“You want to listen to your players too,” Cunningham said on Tuesday. “Like, where do they want to play? How excited would they be to play and attract fans?… I don’t know how excited people would be to go to Detroit or [Cleveland].”

Her words suggested skepticism about the viability and fan engagement in these cities. Cunningham, known for her straightforward and no-nonsense attitude on the court, here seemed to cast doubt on whether the new markets could truly support the league’s growth.

The Fallout: Cleveland and Detroit Respond

Unsurprisingly, Cunningham’s comments were not well received in Cleveland and Detroit, cities proud of their rich sports heritage and passionate fan bases. Donovan Mitchell and Tristan Thompson, notable NBA players from Cleveland, voiced their disagreement with Cunningham’s remarks, defending their city and its sporting culture on social media.

Adding fuel to the fire, Dan Skipper, an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, publicly fired back at Cunningham on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Skipper’s response was brief but pointed:

“Have you ever been there? It’s a pretty good place to play, but I guess not for you anymore.”

Skipper’s comeback quickly went viral, rallying Detroit fans and athletes to stand up against Cunningham’s critique. The exchange highlighted the sensitivity around city pride, especially when it involves beloved sports franchises and future professional teams.

Sophie Cunningham Shines Amid Controversy

Despite the media storm, Cunningham’s performance on the court remains a bright spot for the Indiana Fever. The team recently secured a historic victory by winning the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, beating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in a thrilling showdown.

This triumph was even more remarkable considering the Fever were missing their superstar, Caitlin Clark. The 8-8 Fever squad defied expectations, capturing their first-ever WNBA title, a monumental achievement for the franchise.

Cunningham played a crucial role off the bench during the final, contributing 13 points and 7 rebounds in just 25 minutes of play. She was efficient beyond the arc, sinking 3 of 5 three-point attempts, and had a plus-minus rating of +18, underscoring her positive impact on the game.

The Financial Incentive and Bigger Picture

Beyond the glory of the trophy, the Commissioner’s Cup carried a significant financial reward—a total prize pool of $500,000—adding extra motivation for the Fever and other teams competing. For players like Cunningham, who consistently deliver strong performances, this bonus represents not only recognition but also meaningful compensation.

The expansion talks and Cunningham’s outspoken views come at a pivotal moment for the WNBA. As the league grows, questions about market selection, player preferences, and fan engagement are bound to arise. Cunningham’s comments highlight one perspective—that player input and enthusiasm for new markets are crucial elements for sustainable growth.

How Will This Affect the League’s Future?

The dialogue sparked by Cunningham’s remarks and the responses from Cleveland and Detroit athletes brings to light the complex dynamics behind expanding a professional sports league. While business decisions often drive expansion, the voices of players, fans, and local communities remain vital.

For the Indiana Fever, the recent success at the Commissioner’s Cup signals hope and momentum, even as the league’s landscape evolves. Cunningham, despite the controversy, continues to assert herself as a formidable presence both on and off the court.

As WNBA fans look forward to new teams and rivalries emerging in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, the conversation surrounding city pride, player preferences, and league strategy will likely remain a hot topic. Whether Cunningham’s candidness will foster deeper discussion or create lasting divides remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the WNBA is entering an exciting new chapter, full of promise and passionate debate