This wasn’t your typical “congrats to the new teams” kind of moment. While the WNBA grabbed attention on Monday by announcing three new expansion franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, not everyone in the league reacted with applause. One of the toughest backslash came from Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, and she didn’t shy away.
Cunningham made it clear she wasn’t excited with at least two of the selected cities while speaking before Tuesday night’s Commissioner’s Cup game in Minneapolis. With the league riding a wave of momentum, she questioned whether Cleveland and Detroit truly reflect where players want to be.
Sophie Cunningham Says Miami, Nashville, And KC Make More Sense
Cunningham pointed out that expansion decisions should consider player interest and fan energy. She mentioned cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as stronger fits, highlighting their culture, market potential, and available infrastructure. “There’s a huge arena downtown [in Kansas City] that nobody is using,” she noted, clearly puzzled by the league’s direction.
Her main concern wasn’t expansion itself, she actually supported growing the league. But the pace and location raised eyebrows. “You want to make sure that you’re not expanding our league too fast,” she said, cautioning against spreading the talent pool too thin or entering markets without strong appeal.
Sophie Cunningham on WNBA expansion:
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 1, 2025
"You gotta listen to your players. Where do they want to play…I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland]" 😭😭
pic.twitter.com/GvVLC1XkJG
When it came to Detroit and Cleveland, she didn’t mince words. “I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland,” Cunningham said bluntly. That comment alone stirred plenty of online debate, with fans and analysts split between defending her honesty and accusing her of dismissing cities with passionate sports histories.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral WNBA stories via Google! Follow Us
The WNBA’s decision adds Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. All three are East Coast or Midwest cities, a pattern some critics say ignores the demand in southern or western markets. Cities like Denver and Tampa were widely mentioned as favorites in recent months, but were ultimately passed over.
Cunningham’s reaction mirrors a larger conversation happening across the league. With growing TV ratings, packed arenas, and a rising number of marketable stars, players want to feel involved in shaping where the game grows next. And when one of the league’s veterans speaks up, people notice.
The cities may be locked in, but the debate definitely isn’t.
Also Read: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham Stuns Fans With Thrilling Announcement
