Sophie Cunningham Addresses Misunderstandings on Detroit and Cleveland Comments

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham took to social media to address the backlash following her comments about potential WNBA expansion teams in Detroit and Cleveland. During a media session on July 1, she suggested uncertainty about the excitement surrounding these cities, which sparked criticism from fans and players alike.

On July 3, Cunningham clarified her statements, acknowledging the important roles both cities played in the league's history. “First of all, I know the history behind the WNBA,” she stated in a video shared by Fever reporter Tony East. “I know that both of those cities have had teams before, and they got us where we’re at. So I’m thankful for that.”

The initial comments that drew ire included a mix-up between Detroit and Cincinnati, as she expressed a preference for Nashville and Miami as potential expansion locations. “All I was getting at is, like, [Nashville’s] Broadway, the off-court lifestyle, and so I think that is intriguing,” she explained, reiterating her appreciation for the contributions of Detroit and Cleveland to the league.

The WNBA recently announced plans to expand from 13 to 18 teams by 2030, with Toronto and Portland set to join in 2026. Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are slated for 2028, 2029, and 2030 respectively, joining the Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural season.

All five new cities are also NBA markets, with overlapping ownership groups. Cunningham expressed a desire for teams outside of these markets, stating, “I think it’d be fun to kind of get some teams outside the NBA market. I do think there is a benefit when you do have an NBA team.” She emphasized that her comments were misinterpreted and that she would never disparage working-class communities. “I’m from Missouri. I get I’m in Indiana, and that’s kind of why I’m hinting at, Broadway sounds fun. All that I was saying.”

Each new franchise is required to pay a $250 million expansion fee, significantly higher than the Valkyries' fee in 2023, reflecting the league's rapid growth over recent years.