The WNBA is currently amid a heated debate following its announcement to expand into three new cities. Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, intensified the controversy by openly questioning the league’s selection of Cleveland and Detroit as expansion locations during a press conference before the Commissioner’s Cup Final on Tuesday. Cunningham expressed doubt about the enthusiasm players and fans might have for these markets while suggesting alternative cities such as Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as better options.
Her remarks generated immediate backlash, especially from Mariah Rose, a devoted fan of Angel Reese and the daughter of former NBA player Jalen Rose. Mariah responded with sharp criticism on her Hoops for Hotties platform, challenging Cunningham’s right to question the worthiness of certain cities to host professional women’s basketball teams and defending the pride of fans in Detroit and Cleveland.
Sharp Rebuttal from Angel Reese Supporter Mariah Rose
Mariah Rose’s critique targeted Cunningham’s dismissive attitude toward Detroit and Cleveland, highlighting the impact such comments could have on young girls aspiring to play professional basketball in those cities. Rose emphasized the disrespect conveyed by declaring reluctance to play in those markets, given their passionate local fanbases.
“I don’t ever go in on WNBA players the way I do on their male counterparts or any other athletes when they rub me the wrong way, because I love the WNBA,” Rose said on her Hoops for Hotties account, where she explains sports for hotties.
“Who are you to dictate what cities are and aren’t deserving of a professional women’s basketball team? How dare you do that to every little girl growing up in Detroit and in Cleveland? Look at them and say, ‘I, a professional women’s basketball player, will never wanna to play in your city.’
“Girl, it’s sh*t in Indiana, and you play in Indiana. That’s not any better.”
Rose also expressed disdain over Cunningham’s involvement in a physical confrontation with Jacy Sheldon and an incident with Dave Portnoy before the season started. She accused Cunningham of leveraging such events to boost her popularity and business opportunities.
“When people like Cunningham engage in physical altercations, their jerseys sell out, they get ad campaigns, and they gain millions of followers. They don’t get called a ‘classless piece of s**t’ by Dave Portnoy. Because why would they?”
“Sophie Cunningham was rubbing elbows with Dave Portnoy courtside right before she played Angel Reese, who he called a ‘classless piece of sh*t’ for (Reese) talking trash during college basketball.”
“Mind you, her nickname has been ‘MAGA Barbie’ for years. Never beating the allegations.”
Indiana Fever Clinch Commissioner’s Cup Title Amid Controversy
Despite the ongoing tensions off the court, Sophie Cunningham helped lead the Indiana Fever to a significant victory, capturing her first WNBA trophy as the Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in the Commissioner’s Cup Final on Tuesday. The Fever achieved this win without their star guard Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined due to a strained groin.
Indiana managed to overturn a 13-point deficit by demonstrating strong teamwork and determination, while the Lynx failed to capitalize on Clark’s absence. Cunningham contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist, ending a six-year wait since she was drafted to finally earn a championship.
Implications of the WNBA Expansion Debate
This dispute between Cunningham and Reese’s supporters highlights a larger debate about how the WNBA is growing and which cities are best suited to support new teams. While the league aims to broaden its footprint, player opinions and fan reactions play a vital role in shaping public perception and future market successes.
Sophie Cunningham’s comments and the ensuing backlash underscore the divisions that can arise when expansion strategies intersect with community pride and player preferences. How the WNBA addresses these concerns may influence both player satisfaction and fan engagement in these emerging markets going forward.