Overview

• The WNBA approved $250 million expansion franchises in Philadelphia, Detroit and Cleveland as part of its broader growth strategy.
• Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham questioned the excitement around Detroit and Cleveland and suggested Miami, Nashville and Kansas City as alternative markets.
• After the Sparks’ July 5 win, Los Angeles’ official X account mocked Cunningham with a “List of cities Indiana has beef with” post.
• Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and star Donovan Mitchell publicly defended their cities, highlighting local pride and WNBA histories.
• Cunningham later said she respected the blue-collar roots of Detroit and Cleveland and was referring solely to off-court lifestyle preferences.