Cleveland and Detroit Respond to Cunningham’s WNBA Criticism

The social media of Cleveland and Detroit reacted to the comments of Sophie Cunningham, player for the Indiana Fever, about the expansion of the WNBA in those markets. Cunningham expressed doubts about the excitement that Detroit and Cleveland would generate as WNBA venues, suggesting Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as more attractive options.

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 on the Fever, who praised Cleveland during the 2024 Final Four. Cleveland also highlighted the support of its fans and their passion for the sport. Detroit also reacted on X, recalling the attendance success of its previous WNBA team, the Shock, and affirming its status as a sports city.

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.

Additionally more than… https://t.co/ePZhzQE1f3

— City of Detroit (@CityofDetroit) July 1, 2025

The WNBA announced the incorporation of franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030) in the next five years. The Detroit and Cleveland teams will play in existing NBA stadiums, while Philadelphia plans to build a new one. 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? I think Miami would have been a great place. Nashville is an incredible city. Kansas City, an incredible opportunity.

Sophie Cunningham

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