Caitlin Clark, the standout player for the Indiana Fever, took a light-hearted jab at her teammates Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull after they posted a viral TikTok of themselves in bikinis before a game. The post, which has amassed over 1.5 million views, was part of a larger effort to attract swimsuit brands for endorsements. Clark’s comment on the video, urging brands to ‘focus on basketball,’ sparked a playful exchange. In a since-deleted reply, Cunningham quipped about a ‘full body wet suit,’ suggesting a humorous retort to Clark’s comment.
Despite the lighthearted banter, Cunningham has consistently defended Clark’s status as the face of the WNBA, even going so far as to criticize those who doubt her influence. During an episode of the ‘Show Me Something’ podcast, Cunningham passionately argued against those who claim Clark isn’t the league’s face. She highlighted how Clark’s star power has led to increased scrutiny and harsher treatment from competitors, particularly during her rookie season with the Phoenix Mercury. Cunningham recalled the locker room discussions in Phoenix about showing Clark what the WNBA is really like, which she believes has only intensified with her recent move to the Fever.
Cunningham’s advocacy for Clark has not been without its challenges. She faced another fine for criticizing referees, this time for a second-time offense, which has sparked additional media attention. Despite these issues, Cunningham remains a key figure in the league, contributing 8.0 points per game and shooting 41.9% from three-point range this season. Her recent interactions with Clark, including a controversial on-court incident where she ejected a player for a hard foul, have further underscored the dynamic and often contentious nature of their relationship within the league.