Detroit Fires Back at Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham just found out the hard way that Detroit doesn’t take disrespect lightly. After the WNBA announced new franchises for Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030), the Phoenix Mercury star voiced her doubts about those cities—especially Detroit.
While speaking to reporters at an Indiana Fever practice, Cunningham shared mixed feelings about the league’s growth. She celebrated the WNBA’s progress but didn’t hold back on what she viewed as questionable city choices.
“Miami would’ve been a great one. Nashville is an amazing city, Kansas City, amazing opportunity with a huge arena downtown that no one’s using,” Cunningham said, before adding: “I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland.”
That last line didn’t sit well with fans or with the City of Detroit
Detroit Fires Back With Facts and History
Wasting no time, Detroit’s official city account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a stinging rebuttal, pointing to the city’s rich WNBA history and sports culture.
“The last time we were home to a WNBA team (Detroit Shock), we ranked top five in attendance for five straight seasons, No. 1 in attendance for three straight seasons and set a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals,” the post read.
They also reminded everyone that Detroit hosted over 775,000 fans for the 2024 NFL Draft and dubbed themselves what they’ve always claimed to be: “a sports town.”
The Detroit Shock Legacy Still Stands Tall
Cunningham’s comments may have ignored the fact that Detroit’s former team, the Detroit Shock, were one of the league’s most successful franchises. From 1998 to 2009, the Shock won three WNBA titles, made four Finals appearances, and were playoff contenders in eight of their 12 seasons. The team later relocated to Tulsa and now plays as the Dallas Wings.
Sophie Cunningham may have been speaking candidly, but Detroit wasn’t having it. With the city set to rejoin the WNBA in 2029, expect a passionate home crowd, and if Cunningham’s still playing, don’t be surprised if she’s met with a few boos.
The WNBA is growing, and if this kind of city pride is any indication, the future is going to be fierce and loud.
Read More: Sophie Cunningham Gets NFL Shoutout After Sticking Up for Caitlin Clark
