Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, has faced backlash after questioning the WNBA's expansion plans into Cleveland and Detroit. While suggesting alternative cities like Miami and Nashville, she emphasized the importance of player satisfaction in choosing locations. This comment sparked reactions from athletes and teams in both cities, with the Detroit Lions and notable players defending their city's sports culture.

The comments have not only ignited responses from the cities' accounts but also highlighted the historical significance of basketball in Detroit, with the past WNBA team, the Detroit Shock, boasting impressive attendance records. Cleveland and Detroit's representatives are optimistic about the excitement surrounding the upcoming expansions, countering Cunningham's skepticism regarding fan interest.