Sophie Cunningham attracted significant attention this week for her remarks criticizing Cleveland and Detroit as locations for upcoming WNBA expansion teams. The conversation took a dramatic turn during a game when Cunningham became involved in a physical play with LA Sparks guard Julie Vanloo, capturing the interest of many WNBA followers.
Near the end of the first quarter, Cunningham and Vanloo both dove for a loose ball, with Indiana Fever forward Rickea Jackson joining the scramble. In the process, Vanloo appeared to grab Cunningham around the neck. Officials ultimately called a jump ball, and although the situation seemed tense, both players laughed off the incident after getting back to their feet.
Fan Reactions Fueled by Social Media
The incident gained further traction after NBA Centel, a well-known satirical account on X (formerly Twitter), posted a clip of the play, humorously describing it as Cunningham being “choked out” by Vanloo. This sparked an array of comments from fans, ranging from amusement to serious discussion, depending on their perspectives.
WNBA supporters also responded to Cunningham’s earlier critical comments about Cleveland and Detroit. Prior to the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final on July 1, Cunningham expressed a preference for playing in Miami over the two cities now set to host expansion teams, further stirring emotional responses from fans and communities.
Sophie Cunningham’s Views on Cleveland and Detroit Expansion
The WNBA recently announced a plan to add three new teams: Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Reporters sought player reactions to the expansion, and Cunningham shared her reservations about the choice of cities.
“I’m not so sure what the thought process is there, but at the end of the day, you want to make sure that you’re not expanding our league too fast,” Cunningham said, according to the Associated Press. “I think that that’s also another thing. It’s kind of a hard decision-making situation. But man, I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or (Cleveland).”
In response, Detroit emphasized its status as a proud sports town, while Cleveland highlighted support from notable players such as Caitlin Clark, showcasing the city’s enthusiasm for basketball.
Additional Incidents Highlight Cunningham’s Intense Playstyle
Besides her outspoken opinions about expansion cities, Cunningham has recently been involved in other high-profile moments on the court. She was notably part of a heated exchange during a game against the Connecticut Sun, following a hard foul on Jacy Sheldon. Cunningham’s physical retaliation came after multiple aggressive plays on Caitlin Clark, underscoring her competitive and intense approach to the game.
Implications for the WNBA and Future Rivalries
The physical play between Julie Vanloo and Sophie Cunningham, set against the backdrop of expansion-related tensions, illustrates the heightened emotions surrounding the WNBA’s growth. As new teams prepare to join the league in coming years, players’ candid views and on-court confrontations could shape emerging rivalries and fan engagement.
The league’s decision to add Cleveland and Detroit as expansion cities will likely continue to generate discussion, with players and fans actively debating the best path forward for the WNBA’s development and market presence.