Jemele Hill Fires Back Ruthlessly at Sophie Cunningham After Indiana Fever Star Criticizes WNBA Expansion Plans

Top Plays of the Day, July 29, 2025

The recent comments by Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard, regarding the WNBA’s expansion plans have stirred significant controversy across the league and its fanbase. Cunningham’s outspoken skepticism about the cities chosen for the new teams — particularly Detroit and Cleveland — sparked a strong response from sports commentator Jemele Hill, who didn’t hold back in her reaction.

The WNBA recently announced plans to expand the league by adding three new teams, set to begin play by 2030, bringing the total number of franchises to 18. Detroit and Cleveland, both cities with rich basketball histories, will be welcoming back WNBA teams after previously hosting them, while Philadelphia will introduce its first-ever WNBA team. The announcement was met with excitement by many fans and analysts, eager to see the league grow and reach more markets.

However, Sophie Cunningham’s comments during a media session earlier this week have caused a stir. Cunningham questioned the excitement around placing teams in Detroit and Cleveland, stating, “I’m not sure what everyone’s so hyped about getting to Detroit or Cleveland.” She suggested other cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City might be more appealing destinations for expansion teams, hinting that those markets could bring more buzz and fan engagement.

Her remarks didn’t sit well with many fans from Michigan and Ohio, who took to social media to defend their cities’ basketball heritage and express disappointment over Cunningham’s perceived disrespect. The official Detroit city sports account even called themselves “a sports town” in a direct, yet playful, rebuttal, while Cleveland responded with a video featuring star player Caitlin Clark expressing love for her city.

As the debate raged on, Jemele Hill, known for her outspoken and no-nonsense commentary on sports and culture, stepped into the fray. Hill took to social media to respond to Cunningham’s remarks with a message that quickly went viral, seen by over 1.3 million viewers. Hill pointedly reminded Cunningham that she plays for Indiana — a state with a deeply passionate basketball culture.

“Sis, you play in Indiana. No disrespect,” Hill wrote, making it clear that Cunningham’s criticism of other cities while playing in a basketball-mad state like Indiana was both ill-advised and tone-deaf.

Indiana is famous for its basketball obsession, from the fervent following of the Indiana Fever in the WNBA to the legendary support for the Hoosiers at Indiana University and the NBA’s Pacers. The state’s rich basketball history is well known, and Cunningham’s remarks appeared to overlook the deep connection between a city’s or state’s identity and its love for the sport.

Though Cunningham is indeed playing in Indiana, Jemele Hill’s pointed response highlights how deeply rooted basketball culture is in the region and implies that Cunningham’s doubts about Detroit and Cleveland’s ability to support WNBA teams might similarly underestimate those cities’ strong basketball legacies.

Detroit, often nicknamed the “Motor City,” has a longstanding history with basketball at both professional and collegiate levels. It’s home to passionate fans and a rich sporting culture, which makes Cunningham’s doubts seem misplaced. Cleveland, too, has produced numerous basketball legends and boasts a dedicated fan base, making it a natural and exciting home for a WNBA expansion team.

While Cunningham’s suggestion that Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City might offer more vibrant markets for expansion isn’t without some merit—these cities have growing sports communities and favorable demographics—it doesn’t negate the significance of Detroit and Cleveland as proven basketball hotbeds.

This controversy has reignited a larger conversation about how players and commentators discuss the cities and markets involved in the sport. It underscores the responsibility athletes have to understand and respect the communities they represent or speak about, especially when discussing league growth and expansion.

Sophie Cunningham has not retracted her comments but has attempted to clarify that her opinions were personal and not intended to diminish the passion or history of any city or its fans. She emphasized that her comments were aimed at considering the lifestyle aspects and market appeal of potential expansion locations, rather than dismissing any city’s basketball credentials outright.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has remained supportive of the league’s expansion strategy, emphasizing that the league’s goal is to grow the sport by reaching diverse markets and expanding opportunities for players and fans alike.

The incident serves as a reminder of how sensitive sports discussions can be, especially when they touch on local pride and historical legacy. Jemele Hill’s strong response is reflective of the passionate defense many fans and insiders have for their cities and teams.

Looking ahead, the WNBA’s expansion will be an exciting development for the league and its supporters. Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia are expected to add rich chapters to the history of women’s professional basketball in the United States. And despite the debate, players like Sophie Cunningham will continue to have opportunities to contribute to the sport’s growth — ideally with a better understanding of the communities and cultures they impact through their words.

As social media continues to amplify every comment and reaction, this episode serves as a case study on the importance of thoughtful communication from athletes, who are often seen as representatives not just of their teams but also of their sport and its fans.

In the end, the passion for basketball remains strong in all these cities, and the WNBA’s future looks bright — with or without Cunningham’s controversial remarks.