The WNBA’s announcement of its new franchises sparked more than just excitement. Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Detroit were chosen as part of the league’s expansion plans, but Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham didn’t seem impressed by the decision.
Speaking to the media, Cunningham suggested other cities-like Miami, Nashville, or Kansas City-would make better hosts. She even made a geographical slip that further fueled the controversy, saying:
“I don’t know how excited people are to go to Detroit or Cincinnati,” confusing Cleveland with another Ohio city.
A response filled with passion, history, and Caitlin Clark
Cleveland’s response was swift and full of pride. Using past quotes from Caitlin Clark-Cunningham’s own teammate and one of the most beloved stars in women’s basketball-the city reminded her that not everyone shares her opinion.
“Sophie, your teammate doesn’t seem to think Cleveland’s that bad!” posted the city’s official account.
Clark, who played the 2024 Final Four in Cleveland, had praised the experience:
“I had never been to Cleveland. It’s been incredible. It feels like a bigger version of my hometown, Des Moines… I’m excited to play here.”
The message ended with a playoff-worthy statement:
“We are proud to have been selected to host a WNBA team. Any player who comes here will feel the legendary passion that Cleveland fans have for their teams.”
Cleveland and Detroit have been here before
This isn’t Cleveland’s first dance. The Rockers were part of the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997, and Detroit won three championships with the Shock. Their return represents more than expansion-it’s a revival of women’s basketball history.
Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and head of the group bringing the WNBA back to the city, joined the discussion:
“Come on, Sophie, clearly you haven’t been to Detroit or Cleveland. You should support your Midwest sisters in this league… These are two cities you’ll soon come to know and love.”
A new WNBA powerhouse in the making
Destination Cleveland, the city’s tourism office, seized on the geography blunder with a touch of sarcasm:
“If you’re going to @ us, say our name right.”
Now, the ball is in Cunningham’s court. Maybe when she visits Cleveland with her team, she’ll see why so many already consider it a rising WNBA powerhouse. And who knows-maybe Caitlin Clark will be the one giving her the tour… this time, with no location mix-ups.
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