The world of professional sports, particularly in a city as passionate as Detroit, is often a tight-knit community where local pride runs deep. This underlying sense of solidarity was put to the test recently when Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, a prominent figure in the WNBA, made seemingly dismissive remarks regarding Detroit as a future WNBA expansion city. Her comments, uttered during a media availability on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, ahead of the Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup final victory over the Minnesota Lynx, quickly went viral, igniting a fervent backlash from Detroiters and even prompting a blunt warning from an unlikely source: Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper.
Cunningham, who has gained significant popularity this season as an “enforcer” for the Indiana Fever, particularly noted for her physical play and willingness to defend star teammate Caitlin Clark, was asked about the WNBA’s ongoing expansion plans. The league had recently announced its intention to add new franchises, with Detroit slated to receive a team in 2029, following Toronto and Portland in 2026, Cleveland in 2028, and Philadelphia in 2030.
While discussing potential expansion locations, Cunningham offered her thoughts, suggesting cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as “amazing” opportunities. However, her concluding remarks about Detroit and Cleveland were what truly sparked the controversy. She stated, “I don’t know how excited people are to go to Detroit or (Cleveland).” This perceived slight, questioning the enthusiasm for the WNBA in two proud American sports cities, immediately resonated negatively with fans and local figures.
The reaction from Detroit was immediate and unwavering. The city, which has seen a significant resurgence in recent years and boasts some of the most passionate fan bases in professional sports (the Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons), took Cunningham’s comments as a direct affront.
- The City of Detroit’s Official X Account: One of the most impactful responses came directly from the official City of Detroit account on X (formerly Twitter). They quickly and effectively countered Cunningham’s skepticism with irrefutable facts and historical context. Their tweet highlighted the success of the former Detroit Shock WNBA franchise: “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 775,000 people were excited to come to Detroit for the 2024 NFL draft. Detroit is a sports town. We’re sure we’ll see the same excitement for the WNBA returning.” This fact-based retort served as a powerful reminder of Detroit’s rich sports history and its proven capacity to support professional women’s basketball. The staggering attendance numbers for the NFL Draft in 2024 further emphasized the city’s vibrant fan culture.
- NFL Player Dan Skipper’s Blunt Warning: Perhaps the most unexpected and impactful response came from Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper. Skipper, a veteran who recently re-signed with the Lions and is known for his tough, no-nonsense demeanor, took to his own X account to directly address Cunningham’s comments. Quoting a video clip of her remarks, Skipper wrote: “You ever been there? Pretty good place to play, well not for you now.” This direct, concise, and subtly menacing message from a respected NFL player quickly gained traction. Skipper’s “well not for you now” implies that if Cunningham were ever to play for a WNBA team that eventually moved to Detroit, her comments might make for an unwelcoming environment. It was a clear defense of his adopted city and a warning that disrespect would not be tolerated. Skipper, at 6’10” and 330 lbs, brings a considerable physical presence, making his words carry an extra layer of weight.
It’s important to contextualize Cunningham’s remarks within the broader WNBA landscape. While her comments were widely criticized, some analysts have pointed out that WNBA players, like athletes in other leagues, often express preferences for certain cities based on lifestyle, travel ease, or existing personal connections. However, the bluntness of her statement and the direct naming of Detroit and Cleveland as unexciting destinations were what caused offense.
The WNBA is in a significant growth phase, largely thanks to the “Caitlin Clark effect” and increased investment. Expansion is a critical component of this growth. The league is strategically placing teams in markets with strong basketball traditions and existing NBA infrastructure. Detroit, with its passionate fanbase, the historical success of the Shock, and the strong ownership group (reportedly including Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp, Denise Ilitch, agent Arn Tellem, and even potentially Eminem, alongside former Pistons stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber), represents a prime opportunity for the WNBA.
This incident underscores the powerful connection between sports teams, their athletes, and the cities they represent. For many, a professional sports team is a vital part of a city’s identity and pride. A slight against a team or a city’s appeal can feel like a personal insult, regardless of the sport.
The reaction to Cunningham’s comments, particularly from the City of Detroit’s official account and an NFL player, serves as a reminder that:
- City Pride is Fierce: Detroiters are fiercely proud of their city and its resilience. Any perceived disrespect, especially from an athlete, will be met with a strong defense.
- Athletes are Public Figures: Athletes’ words carry weight, particularly on social media. What might seem like a casual remark can have far-reaching consequences and elicit strong reactions from fans and other athletes.
- The Power of Social Media: Platforms like X amplify comments instantly, allowing for rapid dissemination and immediate, widespread responses from individuals and official entities.
Sophie Cunningham’s comments were made in the heat of a successful season for the Fever, as she navigates newfound popularity. While she didn’t speak to reporters after the Commissioner’s Cup final, the backlash she received online has been considerable. It’s a valuable, albeit perhaps harsh, lesson in the sensitivity of local pride in the sports world.
For the WNBA, the incident, while creating some PR headaches, also highlights the growing visibility and passionate engagement around the league. As the WNBA continues its expansion, it will undoubtedly encounter similar situations as players and fans react to new markets. The response from Detroit serves as a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to sports and its readiness to embrace a new WNBA team in 2029 with the same fervor that characterizes its support for the Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. And as for Sophie Cunningham, she’s now officially on the radar of Detroit’s biggest sports fans, including its formidable NFL players.
