Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, debuted her podcast Show Me Something on Wednesday, immediately addressing some controversial topics within the basketball world. Cunningham co-hosts the show alongside reality TV star West Wilson, with distribution handled by Colin Cowherd’s network, The Volume.
The timing of the partnership appears strategic, as the WNBA’s popularity continues to grow. Besides basketball, the podcast covers various subjects including Wilson’s stint on Bravo’s Summer House, allowing for a broad spectrum of conversation points.
Definitive Recognition of Caitlin Clark as WNBA’s Leading Star
In the premiere episode, Cunningham boldly declared Caitlin Clark the undisputed face of the WNBA, expressing frustration toward anyone who disagrees. She highlighted Clark’s impact on the league’s current prominence.
There’s really good, well-known people in the league. I’m not discrediting them. We have a lot of badasses in our league. But when people try to argue that she’s not the face of our league, or that our league would be where we’re at without her, you’re dumb as [expletive]. You’re literally dumb as [expletive].
—Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever guard
Broad Support for Clark Among Players and Fans
Cunningham’s opinion is shared by many in the WNBA community. A recent survey by The Athletic polled 39 players about who they see as the league’s future face. Caitlin Clark received over 53% of the votes, far surpassing other talents such as USC’s JuJu Watkins, who earned about 18%, and Paige Bueckers.
Though Clark is currently sidelined due to a right groin strain, attention remains firmly fixed on her return. In the meantime, Indiana Fever depend on their core players like Cunningham to maintain competitive momentum.
Podcast Faces Mixed Reactions Among WNBA Supporters
Despite the strong statements made by Cunningham, her new podcast has stirred controversy among WNBA fans who have expressed dissatisfaction with some of the topics and tone. This reaction reflects the intense passion surrounding the league and its prominent figures.
Wider Cultural Discussions on Show Me Something
Beyond basketball, Cunningham and Wilson aim to cover a wide range of pop culture topics, including food, fashion, travel, and more. This diverse content approach seeks to appeal to a broad audience while providing insight into the lives of athletes and entertainers alike.
The Growing Influence of WNBA Figures in Sports Media
Cunningham’s podcast launch adds to a notable trend of WNBA players expanding their platforms beyond the court. By engaging with popular culture and candidly addressing league-related issues, athletes are increasingly shaping the conversation around women’s basketball and its future.
With aided visibility and continued advocacy from players like Cunningham, Caitlin Clark’s status as the WNBA’s most recognizable star looks solidified, setting the stage for the league’s continued rise in popularity and influence.