Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Refuses to Apologize for Controversial WNBA Comments originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Sophie Cunningham is not the type who keeps her true feelings to herself. This is why the Indiana Fever did not hold back when she shared her thoughts on the WNBA’s expansion plans.
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While the league’s announcement in mid-July of three new expansion cities was generally met by excitement in the basketball world, Cunningham was brutally honest with her take the WNBA could have done better than Cleveland or Detroit.
“I do think that Miami would have been a great one,” she said on July 1. “Everyone loves Florida. Nashville is an amazing city. Kansas City, amazing opportunity. … But, man, I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland.”
Cunningham’s strong take prompted a backlash against the 28-year-old guard, and the issue blew up online. The matter has become a touchy subject, particularly for folks from Detroit and Cleveland.
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Cunningham Is Not Backing Down
Cunningham had the opportunity to address the issue in the first episode of her brand-new podcast, “Show Me Something.” According to the Fever veteran, she’s merely a messenger.
“I am someone who says what everyone else is thinking or talking about. Not just with the refs, but with Detroit, with Cleveland,” she said.
“I want people to hear what I just said. I am the only one. But if you ask our league, they feel the same exact way.”
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Sophie Cunningham (8) had a strong take about the WNBA’s expansion plans. Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn
Cunningham made it abundantly clear that she has nothing against the people of Detroit or Cleveland. In fact, she believes “people are amazing in those cities.” However, when asked if she wanted to “give it another shot,” Cunningham said she’s not backing down.
“No, because I said what I had to say,” she stated. “And I’m not going to apologize because I fully believe that.”
The WNBA Expansion
Regardless of what Cunningham thinks, the WNBA will push through with its expansion plans. The league will increase to 15 teams next season, with the cities of Toronto and Portland getting franchises.
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Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia will join the league in the succeeding years, with the WNBA expanding to 18 teams by 2030.
Related: WNBA Legend Rebecca Lobo Makes Strong Statement on Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Related: Sophie Cunningham Responds After Unexpected Offer From Lakers President Jeanie Buss
Related: Sophie Cunningham’s Outfit for Fever-Mercury Game Is a Must-See
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
