Cleveland and Detroit Respond to Cunningham’s Criticism of WNBA Expansion

Cleveland and Detroit Cities Respond to Sophie Cunningham’s Comments on WNBA Expansion

The social media of the cities of Cleveland and Detroit have reacted to the statements of Sophie Cunningham, player for the Indiana Fever, who questioned the expansion of the WNBA in those markets. Cunningham expressed his doubts about the enthusiasm that Detroit and Cleveland would generate as league venues, suggesting Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as more attractive alternatives.

I don’t know how excited people are to go to Detroit or Cleveland.

Sophie Cunningham

The official Cleveland account on X responded with a video of Caitlin Clark, Cunningham’s teammate, who praised Cleveland during the 2024 Final Four. The city of Cleveland also highlighted that its city is “proud to have been chosen to host a WNBA team and any player who comes here will feel the legendary passion that Cleveland sports fans show our teams.”

Hey @Sophie_Cunningham…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! #GoCLE pic.twitter.com/q0Wj5tS93q

— City of Cleveland (@CityofCleveland) June 11, 2024

Detroit also responded on X, mentioning the attendance success of their previous WNBA team, the Shock, and stating that “Detroit is a sports city. We are confident that we will see the same excitement for the return of the WNBA”. The WNBA announced on Monday the addition of franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030) in the next five years. The three teams will have NBA ownership groups. The Detroit and Cleveland teams will play in the current NBA arenas, while Philadelphia plans a new building for 2030. Cunningham expressed her concerns during Tuesday’s practice, before the Fever’s victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final.

You also want to listen to your players. Where do they want to play? Where will they be excited to play and attract fans?

Sophie Cunningham

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed that several cities submitted bids for expansion teams, including Miami, Nashville, Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, Charlotte, Denver, and Austin, Texas.