Sophie Cunningham has made clear controversial comments about the WNBA’s expanded city
newYou can listen to Fox’s news articles!
Indiana Fever Star Sophie Cunningham faced Criticism of comments Regarding the WNBA, choosing Cleveland and Detroit as the next two markets for expansion.
The league announced that these two cities and Philadelphia will be available WNBA Team By the end of 2030, an announcement earlier this week urged Cunningham to question whether players would like to see those cities selected for expansion.
“I don’t know how excited people are to go to Detroit or (Cleveland),” Cunningham told reporters on July 1.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
June 27, 2025. Dallas, Texas: Indiana Feverguard Sophie Cunningham (8) runs through the court during a match against the Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center. (JeromeMiron-imagn image)
Cunningham revealed her comments while speaking with reporters Thursday, defending “blue-collar workers” related to Cleveland and Detroit.
“First of all, I know WNBA history. I know both of these cities had teams before. “I think it’s really interesting because all I really got was Broadway, an off-court lifestyle. I think Miami is intriguing.
“I think it’s fun to get some teams outside the NBA market.
Who is Sophie Cunningham? Kate Linklark’s new bodyguard teammate emerges as WNBA icon
Cunningham also addressed the backlash from her comments.
“The people who hype you will be the same people who are pushing you down, so for me, I’m just staying here all the time, I think that was my personal opinion,” she said.
Cunningham comes from a family of farmers in the South.
a Five-part feature series Cunningham’s alma mater, University of Missouri, spoke about the family’s southern farm roots.
Injured Indiana Feverguard Sophie Cunningham (8) and guard Kate Rinklerk (22) responded from the bench to the first half of the WNBA game against United Center’s Chicago Sky. (Karzaczynski-Immagn image)
Cunningham learned to ride horses and drove a four-wheeler into the family grain silo.
“A lot of our success goes back to what we learned here,” Cunningham said he works on the farm. “We loved coming out on the farm to help. We worked hard and found a way to work together. It made us stronger.”
Cunningham had a special name for his farmer’s grandparents. “Mo Mo and Po Po.”
However, Cunningham has proposed a gorgeous market for the WNBA expansion in its initial criticism, pointing to Miami and Kansas City.
“Where do they want to play? Where do they get excited to play and draw fans? I think Miami was great. Everyone loves Florida. Nashville is a great city. Kansas City – there’s a great opportunity. “I don’t know what the thought process is.
Click here to get the Fox News app
May 17, 2025. Indianapolis, Indiana; Indiana Feverguard Sophie Cunningham (8) will take a photo on Saturday, May 17, 2025, prior to the match between Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis. (Grace Smith-Imagn image via Indystar)
“At the end of the day, I don’t want to expand the league too quickly. I don’t want a team that isn’t completely dominant and doesn’t. That’s a difficult situation, but man, I don’t know how excited people are to go to Detroit or (Cleveland).”
Follow Fox News Digital’s x Sports Coverageand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.