Detroit is set to welcome the WNBA back in 2029—but not everyone’s excited. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stirred controversy by questioning the league’s decision to expand to Detroit, sparking swift backlash from Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper and proud Detroiters.
During an interview, Cunningham suggested cities like Miami or Nashville would be better suited for the WNBA, saying, “I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cincinnati.” Her comments quickly went viral, drawing fire from fans who’ve watched Detroit reinvent itself as a vibrant sports city.
Enter Dan Skipper. The Lions’ towering lineman wasn’t about to let the slight slide. In a pointed response on social media, Skipper wrote, “You ever been there? Pretty good place to play, well not for you now.” His words summed up the pride and defiance Detroiters feel about their city’s comeback—and won praise from fans for defending the Motor City.
Cunningham’s remarks reignited old stereotypes about Detroit, but the overwhelming response from locals made one thing clear: the city is alive, loyal, and ready to show up for the WNBA’s return.
The bottom line? Sophie Cunningham may have sparked the controversy, but Dan Skipper made sure Detroit had the final word.
Dan Skipper Fires Back After Sophie Cunningham Questions Detroit’s WNBA Expansion
