Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Comments on WNBA Expansion Cities Spark Backlash and Clarifications

Top Plays of the Day — July 29, 2025

Sophie Cunningham, the Indiana Fever guard, found herself at the center of heated debate following her candid remarks about the WNBA’s latest expansion plans. The seven-year veteran, who recently joined the Fever after six years with the Phoenix Mercury, openly questioned the league’s choice to add teams in Cleveland and Detroit, advocating instead for alternative cities she deemed more appealing for players and fans alike.

The WNBA’s Expansion Announcement

Earlier this week, the WNBA officially announced its plan to add three new teams over the coming years, marking a significant milestone in the league’s growth. The new franchises are slated to begin play in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. This expansion will bring the total number of WNBA teams to 18, aiming to broaden the league’s reach and tap into more diverse markets.

The announcement was met with excitement by many fans and stakeholders who see it as a bold step forward for women’s professional basketball. However, not everyone shared this enthusiasm—at least not initially.

Cunningham Voices Concerns

During a pre-game shooting practice before Indiana Fever’s decisive 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final, Cunningham shared her thoughts on the league’s expansion strategy.

“I think it’s important to listen to your players,” Cunningham said thoughtfully. “Where do they want to play? Where would they be excited to compete and draw in fans? I think Miami would be a great location. Nashville is an amazing city. Kansas City is a tremendous opportunity.”

Her comments reflected a broader conversation within the sports community about how expansion decisions are made, particularly with regard to player input and fan engagement. Cunningham’s preference for cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City highlighted a desire to prioritize vibrant markets that combine strong basketball culture with appealing lifestyles.

The Fallout: Backlash and “MAGA Barbie” Label

Despite Cunningham’s reasoned approach, the reaction was swift and harsh. Fans in Cleveland and Detroit, along with supporters of the league’s expansion plans, pushed back strongly on social media and other platforms.

The official Twitter account for the city of Detroit proudly identified itself as “a sports town,” defending the selection and expressing support for the new WNBA team. Cleveland followed suit with a video featuring Iowa star Caitlin Clark expressing her love for the city, aiming to showcase the city’s passion and readiness for professional women’s basketball.

On social media, the controversy escalated further. Some users took to mocking Cunningham, assigning her the nickname “MAGA Barbie”—a politically charged term that implies alignment with conservative or controversial views, though Cunningham’s comments were strictly about the choice of cities rather than political ideology.

Responses From Influential Figures

The debate attracted notable voices, including NBA executive Dan Gilbert and star player Donovan Mitchell, both of whom joined the conversation supporting their cities. Dan Skipper, a player for the Detroit Lions, also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the city’s readiness to support a WNBA franchise.

These high-profile endorsements helped amplify the defense of Cleveland and Detroit as viable and exciting expansion markets. The conversation underscored the complexities of sports fandom, city pride, and league growth strategies.

Cunningham’s Clarification

On Thursday, amidst the growing uproar, Sophie Cunningham addressed the controversy directly in a press conference with reporters.

She acknowledged that her earlier remarks were personal opinions and expressed respect for the history and significance of the WNBA teams in Cleveland and Detroit.

“This was my personal view,” Cunningham explained. “I never meant to diminish the legacy or the contributions of these historic teams and cities.”

Although she did not issue a formal apology, Cunningham’s comments sought to clarify her position and ease tensions, emphasizing that her intention was not to disrespect any community or fanbase.

The Broader Conversation About Expansion and Player Voice

Cunningham’s candidness sheds light on an ongoing conversation in professional sports about the role of players in league decisions. As athletes gain more influence and platforms, their voices on matters like expansion, team relocations, and league policies carry growing weight.

Her comments about the importance of lifestyle and city appeal also reflect a trend among professional athletes who consider factors beyond just basketball competitiveness when choosing teams or advocating for league growth. Quality of life, community engagement, and off-court opportunities increasingly factor into these discussions.

Fever’s Recent Success Without Cunningham

It’s worth noting that Cunningham’s impact on the Fever has been significant, even as the team adapts to changes. The Fever recently secured a strong win against the Minnesota Lynx, demonstrating depth and resilience in their lineup.

Cunningham, transitioning from her long tenure in Phoenix to Indiana, has embraced a leadership role, balancing her on-court competitiveness with off-court influence. Her willingness to speak openly about league matters shows a commitment to shaping the future of women’s basketball beyond just game performance.

Looking Ahead to WNBA’s Future

The league’s expansion to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia signals a bold vision for the future of women’s professional basketball. These markets, each with their unique history and fan bases, promise to add excitement and diversity to the WNBA landscape.

At the same time, players like Sophie Cunningham remind fans and officials alike that the success of such expansions depends not only on geographic considerations but also on the support and enthusiasm of the players themselves.

As the WNBA continues to grow, fostering open dialogue between players, cities, and league management will be crucial to building a sustainable and vibrant future.

Final Thoughts

Sophie Cunningham’s candid remarks and the resulting controversy underscore the passion and complexities surrounding the WNBA’s growth. While some viewed her comments as critical, others see them as a necessary part of a healthy debate on how best to expand the league.

By standing firm yet clarifying her views, Cunningham highlights the importance of honest conversation in professional sports. Her perspective encourages fans and league leaders to think deeply about what expansion truly means—not just for the league’s bottom line, but for the players, cities, and communities involved.

As the WNBA charts its path forward, balancing tradition, innovation, and player input will be key to ensuring the league’s continued rise and relevance in the global sports arena.