The excitement was high this week after it was announced the WNBA is returning to Detroit. Thanks to a push backed by Lions quarterback Jared Goff and team owner Sheila Hamp, the Detroit Shock will be back on the court in 2029. But not everyone is thrilled.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham questioned the WNBA’s decision to expand to Detroit, Cleveland (2028), and Philadelphia (2030). She suggested cities like Miami, Nashville, or Kansas City would’ve made better choices for the league, and cast doubt on whether players or fans would be excited about Detroit.
“You want to listen to your players, too,” Cunningham said. “Where do they want to play? Are they going to get excited and draw fans? I think Miami would’ve been a great one. Everyone loves Florida. Nashville is an amazing city. Kansas City, amazing opportunity. … But man, I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or Cleveland.”
Her comments, especially the line about not being excited for Detroit, quickly went viral on social media, sparking backlash from Detroiters, including the city’s official Twitter account.
Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper also stepped in, calling Cunningham out directly with a pointed response on X (formerly Twitter):
> “You ever been there? Pretty good place to play, well not for you now.”
The Lions’ official account got in on the action, too, posting:
> “Team not even here yet and we already got haters #DetroitVsEverybody.”
Detroit has a proud WNBA history. The Shock played from 1998 to 2009, winning three championships before economic struggles forced a move to Tulsa. At their peak, the Shock consistently drew top-five attendance numbers, leading the league three times.
While Cunningham questioned Detroit’s potential to draw fans, history suggests otherwise. And with the return of the Shock set for 2029, many in Detroit are already rallying behind their city — and taking note of who’s throwing shade.
Sophie Cunningham Questions Detroit Expansion, Lions Player Fires Back
