Sophie Cunningham Responds to Backlash and Sets the Record Straight About Her Comments on the Future of WNBA Expansion
Sophie Cunningham, one of the WNBA’s most passionate and outspoken players, has always worn her heart on her sleeve. Known for her fiery style of play and unapologetic confidence, she’s made a name for herself as both a competitor and a voice within the league. However, that voice recently stirred up major controversy after Cunningham made remarks about WNBA expansion that drew criticism from fans, players, and media figures alike. Now, in the wake of that storm, Cunningham is speaking out to clarify what she really meant and why she believes her comments were taken out of context.
The original remarks came during a podcast appearance earlier in the season, when Cunningham was asked about the rapid growth of the league and the possibility of adding new teams in the near future. At the time, she expressed cautious skepticism about expansion, stating, “I’m all for growing the game, but if we’re being real, the talent pool isn’t ready yet. We need to develop more quality players before adding more rosters.”
Those comments, clipped and circulated widely across social media, sparked intense backlash. Some accused Cunningham of gatekeeping or undermining the momentum the WNBA has built in recent years. Others interpreted her remarks as dismissive of younger players, particularly in the wake of a draft class led by highly publicized rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. The league is experiencing unprecedented growth in attendance, media coverage, and fan engagement, and many felt that Cunningham’s caution was out of step with that progress.
In the days that followed, Cunningham remained mostly silent on the issue, choosing not to engage with the online firestorm. But after continued debate and growing pressure to clarify her stance, she finally broke her silence in a sit-down interview with local Phoenix media, hoping to explain her point of view and, in her words, “get the facts straight.”
“What I said came from a place of love for this league,” Cunningham began. “I’ve been in this league for a while now. I’ve seen the ups, I’ve seen the grind it takes to even stay on a roster. People don’t understand how competitive it is—how hard it is to make it, let alone stick around. My comments weren’t meant to tear anyone down. They were meant to shed light on how we can grow in the right way.”
According to Cunningham, the key issue she was trying to highlight is the challenge of depth in the WNBA, particularly when it comes to bench and developmental talent. While the league boasts a high level of play among starters and top reserves, she argued that expanding too quickly without building a stronger pipeline of players—through college, overseas, or G League-type systems—could dilute the quality of competition.
“This league has only 12 teams. That’s not much room. I’ve seen girls get cut who could absolutely play at this level. The league is already tight. So if you add more teams without making sure we have enough support for all the players, what happens? You end up hurting careers, not helping.”
Cunningham acknowledged that her choice of words on the podcast may have been blunt and, in hindsight, could have been delivered with more nuance. Still, she stood by her core message.
“I know it came off wrong to some people, and that’s on me. I should’ve explained it better. But let me be clear: I want this league to grow. I want more teams. I want more women playing pro ball in the U.S. But I also want to make sure it’s done sustainably. That’s not hate. That’s care.”
In her clarification, Cunningham pointed to examples from other leagues—such as the NBA and NFL—where expansion was accompanied by years of infrastructure building, talent development programs, and long-term strategic planning.
“You look at the NBA G League or NFL practice squads—those leagues have ways to grow talent beyond the top tier. We don’t really have that yet. We’ve got overseas ball, sure, but that’s not always accessible or consistent. What we need is a real developmental system here, one that feeds the league.”
Cunningham’s comments also touched on the cultural moment the WNBA finds itself in—one that includes not only massive fan interest but also broader discussions around representation, equity, and visibility.
“We’re in a really exciting moment right now. Caitlin, Angel, and others have brought in millions of new fans. That’s amazing. It’s historic. And we should use this momentum to build smart. Expansion should be the next step—but let’s make sure the floor is strong before we build the next level.”
Her clarification also included a call for unity among players across generations.
“I’ve got nothing but love for the rookies. They’ve been phenomenal. Caitlin, Angel, Kamilla, all of them—they’re the future of this league. What I said wasn’t about them. It was about making sure the league is ready to support all players, from the top draft picks to the last woman off the bench.”
Several WNBA players and commentators have since come out in support of Cunningham’s clarification. Veteran center Liz Cambage posted, “Sophie said what a lot of us have been thinking. Let’s grow the league—but let’s do it right.” ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson tweeted, “Appreciate Sophie taking the time to clarify. Growth requires honesty and vision. We can have both.”
Still, others remain skeptical, arguing that any hesitation toward expansion—especially when framed as a lack of talent—can be weaponized by critics of the league to stall progress.
But Cunningham isn’t shying away from the dialogue. She insists that difficult conversations are necessary if the league is going to continue evolving.
“Look, not everything is going to be a feel-good quote. Sometimes you have to say the hard stuff if you care about the outcome. I care. That’s why I said what I said. That’s why I’m here now, trying to make it right.”
In the weeks since the controversy erupted, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has reaffirmed the league’s commitment to expansion, confirming that new franchises are expected by the 2026 season, including a confirmed team in the Bay Area. The league is also exploring cities like Philadelphia, Toronto, and Denver as potential future homes for new teams. Engelbert has emphasized that expansion will be deliberate, well-funded, and grounded in long-term planning—perhaps echoing some of the concerns Cunningham raised.
Sophie Cunningham, for her part, says she’s ready to put the incident behind her and focus on the rest of the season with the Phoenix Mercury, who are currently battling for a playoff spot. She’s averaging solid numbers and continues to be one of the emotional leaders of her team.
Asked whether she regrets making the comments at all, she paused before responding.
“No, I don’t regret it. Because if it sparked a conversation about how we can grow smarter, then maybe it was worth it. But I do regret if it made any player feel disrespected. That was never my intent. I’ve been fighting for this league since I got here, and I’ll keep fighting for it—on and off the court.”
It’s clear that Cunningham’s passion for the game isn’t in question. What remains is how her comments—and the broader debate around expansion—will shape the league’s path forward. As the WNBA continues its evolution into one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world, the perspectives of players like Sophie Cunningham may prove essential—not just in terms of what they say, but in how they’re willing to learn, clarify, and lead.
