Sophie Cunningham has finally cleared the air. After a viral clip showed her questioning the WNBA’s expansion choices, particularly Cleveland and Detroit, backlash rolled in from fans and even some former NBA names. But according to the Phoenix Mercury forward, the intent was never to slam the cities; it was about lifestyle appeal.

“All I was really getting at is like Broadway, the off-court lifestyle, and so I think that is really intriguing. I think Miami’s intriguing, that’s all I was getting at. I’m thankful for what they’ve done for our history of the sport,” Sophie Cunningham clarified.

The Sophie Cunningham moment went viral after she named cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as more appealing expansion picks. Her comments were quickly met with sharp responses from Cleveland and Detroit fans, and even a few athletes, defending their cities’ sports passion and history.

But Sophie Cunningham insists her message wasn’t personal. Her focus was the broader appeal of lifestyle and off-court energy that could help the league grow even faster. The comments weren’t meant to spark a rivalry, they were more about what can attract players and build new fan bases.

That didn’t stop the comments and the responses coming after her. Fans are always eager to stand up and represent their own towns and cities. So there was a little bit of irked pride in the process. After Sophie Cunningham’s name being dragged through the mud of this WNBA expansion, there are still some positives to take from this experience.

If anything, the response proves Sophie Cunningham’s point: people care. And in a growing league, that kind of fire is what keeps the conversation moving forward.

Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman has stepped in with a pointed response after Sophie Cunningham’s unexcited words with the WNBA’s expansion.

“I don’t know if it’s cities that she maybe has frequented, but if she were there she would understand the fandom and the support and how loyal those cities are to their fanbase,” Lieberman told TMZ Sports.

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

The reaction flips Sophie Cunningham’s narrative, putting respect back on markets with deep women’s basketball history, like the Detroit Shock and Cleveland Rockers. Lieberman’s message? History is written, legacy is remembered.

Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) signs autographs for the fans before the game against the Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

And while Sophie Cunningham clarified that she was referring to off-court lifestyle preferences, that didn’t stop fans and legends from chiming in. Take it from Nancy Lieberman.