Sophie Cunningham Is Not Happy With the NFL Over the Upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show

The NFL has long prided itself on turning the Super Bowl Halftime Show into one of the most iconic spectacles in American culture. From Michael Jackson’s legendary 1993 performance to Beyoncé’s electrifying 2013 set, the stage has hosted some of the world’s biggest stars. But the league’s latest announcement — that Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican global superstar, will headline the 2026 halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco — has sparked a storm of reactions.

Among the critics is an unlikely voice from the world of women’s basketball: Sophie Cunningham, the fiery guard for the Phoenix Mercury and one of the WNBA’s most outspoken personalities. Known for her grit on the court and her boldness off of it, Cunningham has never shied away from saying exactly what she thinks. And this time, her target is the NFL.

The Announcement That Lit the Fire

Last weekend, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, alongside partners Roc Nation and Apple Music, announced that Bad Bunny would take center stage at the halftime show. For many, the decision was a no-brainer: Bad Bunny is arguably the world’s biggest music star, with record-breaking tours, billions of streams, and a cultural footprint that stretches across continents.

But not everyone was thrilled. Almost immediately, fans of more traditional American music acts began voicing frustration, claiming the NFL was prioritizing global appeal over homegrown tradition. And then came Cunningham’s sharp response.

Cunningham Speaks Out

In a social media post that quickly went viral, Cunningham didn’t hold back her feelings.

“I get it — Bad Bunny is huge. But the Super Bowl is supposed to represent football, America, and tradition. This is the biggest stage in sports. Why not honor legendary American acts who built the foundation for moments like this? Sometimes it feels like the NFL cares more about being trendy than respecting the game.”

The post struck a chord. Within hours, it had tens of thousands of shares, comments, and reactions. Supporters praised Cunningham for voicing what they had been thinking. Critics accused her of being out of touch, dismissing Bad Bunny’s global influence and the NFL’s efforts to expand its audience.

Fans Divided

The internet, as always, became a battlefield.

Some fans sided with Cunningham:
“Finally, someone said it! The Super Bowl halftime show should be about American music legends, not global pop trends.”

Others pushed back hard:
“Sophie, stick to basketball. Bad Bunny brings in millions of viewers. The NFL is growing bigger than just America, and this proves it.”

The debate highlighted a larger cultural clash: should the Super Bowl halftime show remain rooted in American tradition, or should it embrace its role as a global cultural event?

The NFL’s Strategy

The NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation and Apple Music has made it clear that the league is leaning toward global expansion. Past halftime shows have featured Shakira, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna — artists whose reach extends far beyond U.S. borders.

By choosing Bad Bunny, the NFL is doubling down on this strategy. His presence guarantees not only massive domestic viewership but also international attention from Latin America, Spain, and beyond. It’s a business decision as much as it is a cultural one.

Yet Cunningham’s frustration underscores the risk: alienating longtime fans who see the Super Bowl as a uniquely American tradition.

Why Sophie Cunningham?

Cunningham’s criticism may surprise some casual fans, but those familiar with her career know she has always embraced controversy. Nicknamed “the villain” by some in the WNBA, she has built a reputation as a player who thrives on intensity and isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers.

Her outspoken nature makes her one of the league’s most polarizing figures. To supporters, she’s authentic and unfiltered. To detractors, she’s brash. Either way, her words carry weight — and in this case, they tapped directly into a growing conversation about what the Super Bowl halftime show should represent.

Broader Reactions

Sports analysts weighed in, noting that Cunningham’s comments reflect a sentiment felt by many, even if they haven’t voiced it as loudly.

“This isn’t really about Bad Bunny,” one commentator explained. “It’s about identity. The Super Bowl is America’s biggest stage, and there’s a group of fans who want it to showcase American icons — country stars, rock legends, classic acts. Sophie Cunningham gave voice to that.”

Others argue the exact opposite: that the halftime show is not just about tradition but about growth. “The NFL isn’t just America’s league anymore. It’s trying to be the world’s league. That means artists like Bad Bunny are not just welcome — they’re essential.”

Cunningham Doubles Down

If anyone expected Cunningham to backtrack after the backlash, they don’t know her well. The next day, she followed up with another post, saying:

“I’m not against Bad Bunny, and I respect his success. But I’ll always fight for tradition and for honoring the culture of sports. That’s who I am. Debate all you want — I said what I said.”

The defiant response only fueled the fire, drawing even more attention to the story.

The Bigger Question

At its core, the debate isn’t about Sophie Cunningham or even Bad Bunny. It’s about what the Super Bowl halftime show represents in 2026. Is it a celebration of football, tradition, and America’s cultural heritage? Or is it a global stage meant to reach audiences across the world, blending sports with international pop culture?

For Cunningham, the answer is clear: the NFL should remember its roots. For the league, the answer is equally clear: the Super Bowl is more than just football — it’s an entertainment product watched by billions.

Looking Ahead

No matter where fans stand, one thing is certain: the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show will be one of the most scrutinized and debated performances in history. If Bad Bunny delivers a set that wows the world, the NFL will point to it as proof of its forward-thinking vision. If the show flops, critics will say Cunningham and others were right all along.

Either way, the conversation has already ensured that this halftime show will be remembered long before Bad Bunny even steps on stage.

Conclusion

Sophie Cunningham may be a WNBA star, not an NFL executive, but her words have resonated across the sports world. By speaking out against the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny, she has thrust herself into one of the year’s biggest cultural debates.

And while the league marches forward with its plan, Cunningham’s voice remains part of the story — a reminder that the Super Bowl isn’t just a game, and the halftime show isn’t just music. They’re both reflections of what America values, what it exports to the world, and what it chooses to celebrate.

In the end, the halftime show will go on. Bad Bunny will perform. Millions will watch. But thanks to Cunningham, the conversation about what the Super Bowl should represent will linger — long after the final note fades and the confetti falls.