Overview

• Sophie Cunningham expressed gratitude for Detroit and Cleveland’s contributions to the WNBA’s growth and recognized their place in league history.
• She emphasized that off-court lifestyle factors, including cultural attractions and work-life balance for mental health, influence players’ interest in new markets.
• Media figures highlighted the cities’ past franchises, noting Detroit’s Shock dynasty and Cleveland’s original Rockers as foundational to women’s basketball.
• Nancy Lieberman and Plain Dealer columnist Jimmy Watkins publicly defended Detroit and Cleveland and argued that Cunningham’s remarks could galvanize future fan engagement.
• Local boosters have harnessed the debate as a rallying cry to energize new fanbases ahead of Cleveland’s 2028 and Detroit’s 2029 debut seasons.