The cities of Cleveland and Detroit have pushed back at Sophie Cunningham after the Fever guard questioned the WNBA’s plan to expand into those cities. Local leaders and community members have expressed strong support for the league’s expansion, emphasizing the potential for economic growth and cultural opportunities. Cleveland’s mayor, Justin Vaughan, stated during a recent press conference that the city is eager to welcome the WNBA and believes the league can bring significant investment and tourism to the region. Similarly, Detroit’s city council has shown its backing, with several council members highlighting the importance of having a professional women’s basketball team in the city.
Cunningham’s comments, which were made in an interview, sparked controversy as they suggested that the WNBA’s expansion into these cities might not be welcomed or successful. However, the backlash from local officials and residents has been swift and strong. The WNBA has also taken note of the positive reception, with league officials expressing confidence in the expansion plans and the support from the communities in question. This response underscores the significance of local support in the success of any sports league expansion, particularly in cities with a rich sports history and a growing fan base for women’s professional basketball.