Sophie Cunningham questions WNBA's choice of expansion cities

The WNBA announced plans for significant expansion, aiming to increase its number of teams from the current 12 to 18 by 2030. This decision was publicly communicated on a Monday in July 2025, outlining specific new cities where franchises would be established. Among the selected locations are Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, which will begin operations between 2028 and 2030. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the rising demand for women's basketball and the desire to integrate these franchises into markets that already host NBA teams, hoping to build enthusiasm and spectator interest. However, Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, has voiced concerns regarding the league's choice of cities for expansion. During a media session before a game against the Minnesota Lynx, Cunningham emphasized the need for the league to consider what players value in their playing environment. She questioned whether places like Cleveland and Detroit could generate the excitement necessary to attract fan support. Notably, both cities have witnessed past WNBA franchises come and go, adding to Cunningham’s apprehension about the viability of the expansion. Cunningham further suggested that other markets might excite players more and possibly generate better fan engagement. She mentioned cities like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City as potentially stronger choices. Her comments hint at a broader concern about the pace of expansion within the league, emphasizing that while growth could be beneficial, it should not occur too rapidly, resulting in disparities in team success. While there is enthusiasm around expansion, the concerns raised by players like Cunningham point to a pivotal issue: finding cities that not only support a new franchise but also have the potential to build a dedicated fan base. Engelbert's comments regarding Houston’s historical value to the WNBA suggest that while new cities are being added, thoughtful consideration about franchise sustainability and market engagement will be crucial moving forward.