The WNBA has rarely been short on drama this season, but Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham may have just lit one of the fiercest debates yet. In a strikingly blunt interview, Cunningham took direct aim at some of the league’s most prominent voices, including South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and rising Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, accusing them of refusing to acknowledge the obvious: Caitlin Clark is the undisputed face of the WNBA right now.

Her words were not subtle. They were fiery, unfiltered, and designed to leave no room for misinterpretation.

“Anyone denying that Caitlin Clark is the face of the WNBA is way beyond dumb,” Cunningham declared. “I don’t care who it is — Dawn Staley, Angel Reese, anybody. The numbers don’t lie. The impact doesn’t lie. She’s carrying this league in ways nobody else is right now.”

A Line Drawn in the Sand

Clark, the rookie phenom with the Indiana Fever, has undeniably transformed the league’s visibility in 2024 and 2025. Her games consistently break viewership records, merchandise sales linked to her jersey are skyrocketing, and arenas across the country sell out whenever she’s in town.

But Cunningham’s remarks went further than celebrating Clark’s impact. By calling out Staley — one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball — and Reese, a fellow young star in the WNBA spotlight, she ignited a war of perspectives within the basketball community.

Some argue Cunningham simply said out loud what many fans already believe: that Clark’s star power has elevated the WNBA to new levels of national attention. Others see it as unnecessary disrespect toward Reese, whose own popularity and influence have also been undeniable, and toward Staley, who has long advocated for equal recognition of women’s basketball beyond a single player.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

There’s no denying the numbers Cunningham referenced. According to league reports, games featuring Clark have generated over 200% increases in attendance compared to previous seasons. Broadcast networks are dedicating prime slots to Fever matchups, and ticket resale markets have exploded, with some fans paying NBA-level prices just to see Clark play.

Analysts describe it as the “Caitlin Clark Effect” — a phenomenon where one player’s visibility transcends sports and begins shaping cultural conversations. To Cunningham, this is irrefutable proof that Clark is the centerpiece of the WNBA right now.

“It’s not about opinions, it’s about reality,” Cunningham added. “You can love Angel, you can love A’ja [Wilson], you can love Breanna [Stewart]. They’re all great. But when people tune in, when people buy tickets, when little girls wear jerseys, it’s Caitlin Clark. That’s the face. Period.”

Backlash Builds

The backlash, however, was immediate. Angel Reese, who has become a cultural icon in her own right thanks to her college rivalry with Clark and her outspoken personality, appeared to subtweet Cunningham hours later, writing: “Some people confuse headlines with legacy.”

Meanwhile, Dawn Staley has not directly addressed Cunningham’s comments, but insiders say the Hall of Fame coach was “deeply disappointed” by the public nature of the attack. Staley has long been a leading advocate for ensuring women’s basketball does not get reduced to a single storyline or star, instead pushing for collective recognition of the sport’s growth.

A Divisive Conversation

Fans are now split. On one side, Clark supporters are praising Cunningham for saying what they see as the obvious truth. Social media platforms are flooded with posts echoing her sentiment, with one viral tweet reading: “Sophie said what we were all thinking — Caitlin saved the WNBA.”

On the other side, critics argue that Cunningham’s remarks were unnecessarily inflammatory and risk undermining the progress of the league by pitting its stars against each other. Many note that Reese and Clark’s rivalry, while driving ratings, has also exposed racial and cultural divides among fans — something the league has worked hard to avoid exacerbating.

What’s Next for the WNBA?

The timing of Cunningham’s comments could not be more impactful. As the WNBA enters a new era of unprecedented visibility, the question of who truly represents the face of the league may shape marketing strategies, sponsorship deals, and even locker room dynamics.

For now, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham has thrown gasoline on a fire that was already burning hot. Whether her comments will spark a productive conversation about Clark’s role in the WNBA, or simply deepen existing divides, remains to be seen.

But one fact cannot be ignored — Caitlin Clark’s presence has already transformed the league. And thanks to Cunningham, the debate over her place in WNBA history just became impossible to ignore.

Angel Reese Faces Potential WNBA Suspension Due To Her Behavior, Just Days After Lauching Boycott of American Eagle

Angel Reese Faces Potential WNBA Suspension Due To Her Behavior

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (Brad Rempel-Imagn Images)
Angel Reese missed Sunday’s game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever due to a back injury, but her name is still garnering headlines.

Reese is inching closer to a league suspension after a recent blowout loss to the Minnesota Lynx. The Chicago Sky forward put up 11 points and 11 rebounds in the losing cause, but she made headlines for receiving a seventh technical foul in just 22 games so far this season.

Reese leads the WNBA with seven technicals. One more, and she’ll receive an automatic one-game suspension.

Angel Reese also drew a technical foul during the Sky’s season-opening contest against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

Her attitude on the court could cause problems for both her and her team in the near future.

According to WNBA rules, the league assesses automatic suspensions for excessive technical fouls. A player will receive a one-game ban upon receiving their eighth technical foul of the season.

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh spoke out honestly about the situation.

“We’ve done our work on our side to try to get a couple of those rescinded in the moment and beyond, and that’s up to the league’s discretion,” Marsh said.

“I think, across the board, it’s part of the entertainment of the game. It’s hard to control the passion in the heat of the moment.”

Angel Reese only had four technical fouls total last season.