Sophie Cunningham questions WNBA's expansion plans in Detroit and Cleveland

In the United States, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced plans for expansion, intending to add three new teams by 2030. The league aims to diversify its markets, with the latest additions set for Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. This expansion will increase the total number of franchises to 18, following the previously announced teams in Portland and Toronto, which will start their seasons in 2026. The decision to return to Cleveland and Detroit, regions where past WNBA teams have struggled, raised eyebrows among current players and fans alike. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expressed skepticism regarding the decision to bring franchises back to these cities. Speaking to reporters after a game against the Minnesota Lynx, she highlighted that both cities had previously hosted WNBA teams that did not succeed long-term. Her main concerns centered around fan engagement and the excitement these locations could generate compared to other potential cities like Miami or Nashville. Cunningham emphasized the importance of listening to player sentiments on where they feel enthusiastic to play, stating that rapid expansion without sufficient market viability could jeopardize the league’s growth. Following Cunningham’s comments, former ESPN host Jemele Hill, a Detroit native, defended the league's choice of returning to Detroit. Hill emphasized the historical significance of the Detroit Shock’s success in the WNBA, calling their revival “incredibly meaningful” for the community and for the sport's tradition in Michigan. She argued that Detroit deserved this opportunity as the city is experiencing a resurgence and that the Shock's legacy represented a proud chapter in WNBA history. Hill pointed out that the Shock's past performances established Detroit as a city with an appreciation for women's basketball. The debate generated by Cunningham’s statements and Hill's response highlights the ongoing conversation about WNBA expansion and how these decisions impact local fan bases, player interests, and the league's future. As the league looks towards its goals of expansion, the challenges of re-establishing teams in previously unfruitful markets will require serious consideration of community support and basketball culture in those areas.