'Y’all Need To Get A Team Here': Sophie Cunningham Bats For WNBA Team In Boston After Berrating Detroit, Cleveland Expansion

This comes after Cunningham stirred controversy by questioning the excitement around future WNBA teams in Detroit and Cleveland. Her remarks lit up social media and even prompted official clapbacks from both cities, though she later clarified those comments weren’t meant to shade working-class fans.

But on a night when TD Garden was packed, and electric, thanks to her teammate Caitlin Clark’s return—Cunningham’s message hit home. The Garden felt like a fever pitch of enthusiasm. It reinforced her belief that a WNBA franchise in Boston would have deep roots and immediate fan support.

Even WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently praised markets like Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, saying expansion reflects strong demand. But Sophie Cunningham made one thing clear—there’s no shame in wanting a team in a city with real, loyal fans.

With new teams coming to Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, her comments add fuel to the growing talk about where the league should go next. And if having good vibes and sold-out arenas matters, Sophie Cunningham might already be who the league needs next.

Sophie Cunningham Highlights Importance of Lifestyle When Choosing WNBA Cities

Sophie Cunningham has another angle on expansion—she wants cities with real off-court appeal for players’ lives.

During a presser, Cunningham said the WNBA should look at player interests, not just NBA markets:

“You want to listen to your players, too… Miami, Nashville, Kansas City—there’s amazing opportunity.”— Sophie Cunningham

That comment triggered backlash from Cleveland and Detroit fans, but Cunningham stood her ground. She explained her concern was about lifestyle and balance:

“All I was really getting at is Broadway, the off‑court lifestyle… I would never speak down on middle‑class, blue‑collar working people.” — Sophie Cunningham

Her message isn’t rooted in disrespect. She’s pushing for a league that lets players thrive both on and off the court. With mental health, recovery time, and personal life becoming bigger priorities in professional sports, Sophie Cunningham believes expansion plans should factor in more than just venue size or ticket sales. Her stance adds weight to the growing discussion on what kind of future the WNBA should build—and she’s clearly unafraid to say what others won’t.