Caitlin Clark’s key Fever teammate, Sophie Cunningham, issues strong criticism of new WNBA changes

While the WNBA season is currently underway, many have already started to imagine what the league might look like in the not-so-distant future. With an imminent expansion on the horizon, not everyone is on board with the decision — including Sophie Cunningham, a standout alongside Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever.

The addition of three new franchises to the league starting in 2028 has been well received by much of the environment. However, not everyone believes this is the right move by the league’s top decision-makers.

Sophie Cunningham — arguably one of the most recognizable faces of the Fever alongside Caitlin Clark — recently expressed her disagreement with the expansion plans during a conversation with the media, pointing to the public’s excitement about playing in places like Detroit.

“I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland],” she firmly stated to the press.

Which franchises are joining the WNBA?

Currently, the women’s basketball league features 14 franchises — a number that will grow in the near future following the latest announcement from league officials, with three new teams set to join by the end of 2030.

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According to a recent announcement published on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the league will welcome a new team in Cleveland in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and finally Philadelphia.

It’s worth noting that although the Toronto Tempo were officially named and introduced on December 5, 2024, their debut is scheduled for the 2026 season.

A league in expansion

Founded in late April 1996 and officially tipping off in mid-1997, the WNBA has continued to grow steadily across North America. The addition of new franchises aims to further strengthen and elevate the league.

Aiming to attract more fans in arenas across the country, the league is expected to continue its upward growth in the coming years, with hopes of eventually reaching the level of excitement and attention envisioned by its leadership.