Sophie Cunningham didn’t hold back after the WNBA announced new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. She’s all for growth—but she thinks the league should’ve gone another route.

“There are more opportunities, so I get that aspect, but I also think you want to listen to your players too,” Cunningham told reporters. “Where do they want to play? Where are they going to get excited to play and draw fans? I do think that Miami would’ve been a great one, everyone loves Florida. Nashville’s an amazing city. I’m not so sure what the process is there. But at the end of the day, you also want to make sure you’re not expanding the league too fast… I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland.” That’s Sophie Cunningham dropping a playbreaker mid‑build.

Yes, Cleveland and Detroit have history, but Cunningham’s playing the long game—asking the league to trust players feel at home in those markets. Sophie Cunningham isn’t opposed to 18 teams, but she wants pace, not free agency churn.

For a player who lives and breathes basketball and ownership gossip, Sophie Cunningham is pressing pause. She’s saying: build smart, build hype, build where the stadium rocks from the jump—not after you tack on another franchise.

Whether the WNBA counters with data or player panels remains to be seen. But Cunningham just threw the fit flag early—and now the league has to call the play. Sophie Cunningham is watching the clock.

Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) is fouled by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Sophie Cunningham may’ve called Cleveland “not so exciting,” but Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell would like a word. When news of her comments hit X, Mitchell shot back with simplicity and swagger:

“Cleveland in the summertime

,” the Cleveland Cavaliers star tweeted.

Sophie Cunningham didn’t name‑drop Mitchell, but her mention of Cleveland as a questionable pick hasn’t gone unnoticed. Now, fans are weighing in on social, leaning on Sophie Cunningham’s argument that player mood matters—but also seeing Mitchell throw shade with confidence.

Jun 24, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates with guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) after Mitchell made a three point shot against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

For all her talk of market pacing and fan energy, Sophie Cunningham’s Cleveland comments hit a wall: local starpower and civic pride aren’t so easy to shrug off. Mitchell’s message wasn’t just a rebuttal—it was a reminder that cities fight fire with their own flame.

Donovan Mitchell stepping into the mix already ups the stakes. And if Sophie Cunningham thought Cleveland was a question mark—be ready. The Cavs guard just lit it up.