The cities of Cleveland and Detroit clapped back at Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham after she publicly questioned the WNBA’s decision to expand into those markets.
On Tuesday, Cunningham expressed doubts about the league’s choice, saying she wasn’t sure “how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland.” She suggested that cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City would have been more appealing options.
Cleveland’s official X (formerly Twitter) account fired back the same day, sharing a clip of Cunningham’s teammate Caitlin Clark calling the city “awesome” during the 2024 Final Four. The post pointedly noted that Clark “doesn’t seem to think Cleveland is too bad,” and added that Cleveland is proud to host a WNBA team, promising any future players would feel the city’s passionate sports culture.
Sophie, your teammate doesn’t seem to think Cleveland is too bad!
We’re proud to have been chosen to host a WNBA team and any player who comes here will feel that legendary passion Cleveland sports fans show our teams! https://t.co/FVQ2NjkmdO pic.twitter.com/dVTCud6w7x
— City of Cleveland (@CityofCleveland) July 1, 2025
Detroit’s social media also responded, reminding fans that the city previously had a successful WNBA team, the Detroit Shock. “Detroit is a sports town,” the post read, expressing confidence that enthusiasm would return when the WNBA does.
The league officially announced on Monday that new expansion teams are set to launch in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). All three franchises are backed by NBA ownership groups. The Cleveland and Detroit teams will play in existing NBA arenas, while Philadelphia plans to construct a new venue by 2030.
Cunningham voiced her reservations about the expansion plan before Tuesday’s Commissioner’s Cup final, which the Fever won 74-59 over the Minnesota Lynx. She emphasized the importance of player input in such decisions, adding that Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City were “amazing” alternatives. She also warned against expanding too quickly.
Cunningham, who spent her first six seasons with Phoenix and is now in her seventh year, did not speak to the media after the game.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert noted that several cities were considered for expansion, including Miami, Nashville, Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, Charlotte, Denver, and Austin.
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