In a jaw-dropping bombshell that’s sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball world, Phoenix Mercury sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham has dropped a nuclear declaration: she is DONE with the WNBA – and she’s pointing the finger squarely at Brittney Griner, claiming the towering Atlanta Dream center is ‘not worthy’ of being her opponent! The fiery 29-year-old guard, known for her no-holds-barred attitude, didn’t mince words in a stunning social media storm that’s now dominating headlines: “I am SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM and I refuse to return to the WNBA because Brittney Griner is not worthy of being my opponent.” And she’s not stopping there – Cunningham is blasting the league’s ‘WOKE’ approach to inclusion, accusing it of prioritizing identity politics over pure athletic competition.

The explosive comments, which surfaced amid escalating tensions in the WNBA’s ongoing CBA negotiations and a wave of fan backlash, have ignited a firestorm of support from conservative fans and outrage from progressive voices. Posted alongside a photo of Cunningham and Liberty star Breanna Stewart at a recent event, the viral caption calls for the removal of both players from leadership roles – and it’s only fanned the flames. With the league still reeling from the January 9, 2026, CBA deadline collapse, this latest controversy threatens to fracture the WNBA at its highest point of popularity. Is this the beginning of a player exodus? A culture war showdown? Or the spark that finally forces the league to confront its divisions? As fans rally behind Cunningham’s ‘brave’ stand, we dive deep into the drama, the players, the politics – and why this could change women’s basketball forever.

The Declaration Heard ‘Round the League: Sophie’s Savage Stand

It all started with a single, searing post that has racked up millions of views across X, Facebook, and Instagram. In the caption, Cunningham – the Indiana Fever guard who joined the Mercury after a blockbuster trade – lays it bare: she won’t lace up again unless the league addresses what she calls its ‘WOKE’ overreach. “Brittney Griner is not worthy of being my opponent,” she declares, zeroing in on Griner’s gender presentation and the WNBA’s embrace of diversity initiatives that critics say have alienated traditional fans.

The timing couldn’t be more explosive. The WNBA is riding a historic wave of success – record attendance, skyrocketing TV ratings, and a new $2.2 billion media deal – thanks in large part to rookies like Caitlin Clark. Yet behind the glamour, tensions have boiled over. The players’ union (WNBPA) opted out of the CBA early, demanding a 50% revenue share, better pensions, and charter flights. When no extension was reached by the January 9 deadline, the league braced for a potential lockout. Enter Cunningham: her refusal to play is the ultimate power move, a direct challenge to the union’s leadership – including Stewart and Collier – and the league’s direction under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Fans are eating it up. “FINALLY someone with guts!” one viral comment read. “The WNBA has gone too woke – Sophie is speaking for millions.” Others piled on: “Remove Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart from leadership! They don’t know how to negotiate.” The backlash has been swift and savage, with hashtags like #FireTheLeadership and #WNBAWOKE trending worldwide.

Sophie Cunningham: The Outspoken Sharpshooter Who’s Never Shied Away from Controversy

Sophie Cunningham isn’t new to controversy – she’s built a reputation as the WNBA’s most unfiltered star. The 6-foot-1 guard, a Missouri native who starred at Missouri State before being drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019, has always spoken her mind. Known for her deadly three-point shooting and feisty on-court demeanor, she’s earned All-Star nods and a loyal fanbase that loves her conservative-leaning takes.

Off the court, Cunningham has been vocal about politics, reportedly supporting Donald Trump in 2024 and criticizing ‘woke’ culture in sports. Her latest stand is her boldest yet. Sources close to the player say she’s frustrated with the WNBA’s focus on social justice initiatives – from Pride nights to trans inclusion policies – which she believes detract from the game. “Sophie feels the league is prioritizing optics over competition,” a teammate told us on condition of anonymity. “She wants to play basketball, not politics.”

Her refusal to return is a massive blow. As one of the league’s top scorers and a key part of the Mercury’s future, Cunningham’s exit could trigger a domino effect. Other conservative-leaning players might follow, creating a schism between ‘traditional’ stars and those embracing the league’s progressive direction.

Brittney Griner: The Target of the Storm

At the center of Cunningham’s ire is Brittney Griner – the 6-foot-9 center who’s become one of the most polarizing figures in sports. Griner, who spent a decade with the Phoenix Mercury before moving to the Atlanta Dream, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, eight-time All-Star, and outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate. Her 2022 detention in Russia on drug charges made her a global symbol of resilience – but it’s also fueled vicious rumors about her gender.

Cunningham’s comments appear to target those rumors head-on, questioning whether Griner – a cisgender woman who’s openly lesbian – fits the traditional mold of female athletes. “Brittney Griner is not worthy,” the declaration reads, echoing transphobic attacks that have dogged Griner for years. Despite no evidence Griner is transgender, the rumors persist, amplified by her height, deep voice, and androgynous style.

Griner has faced harassment before – from airport confrontations to online trolls – but Cunningham’s attack is unprecedented from a fellow player. “This is low,” one fan tweeted. “Sophie is punching down at someone who’s been through hell.” Griner has yet to respond publicly, but sources say she’s ‘hurt’ by the comments from a former teammate.

The ‘WOKE’ WNBA: Why Fans Are Turning on the League

Cunningham’s rant taps into a broader backlash against the WNBA’s ‘woke’ direction. Since Commissioner Cathy Engelbert took over in 2019, the league has embraced progressive causes: mandatory Pride events, support for trans athletes, and vocal stances on racial justice. While many players and fans celebrate this, others – especially conservative supporters – feel it’s alienating viewers.

The league’s embrace of Caitlin Clark has brought new fans, but some say it’s created a divide. Clark, a straight white woman, has been pitted against Black stars like Angel Reese in a racially charged narrative. Cunningham, often aligned with Clark’s fanbase, has criticized what she sees as favoritism toward ‘woke’ players.

The CBA collapse has only amplified the anger. Players want more money from the league’s booming revenue, but Engelbert insists the WNBA still loses money. “We’re building a sustainable future,” she said. Fans, however, are siding with the commish: “Cathy is right – the players are greedy!”

The Union in Crisis: Calls to Oust Leadership

The viral post doesn’t stop at Cunningham – it targets union leaders Nneka Ogwumike (president), Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart (VPs). “Time to fire Nneka and remove Napheesa and Breanna,” it demands. Why? Critics say the trio botched negotiations, failing to secure a better deal despite the league’s growth.

Collier and Stewart’s involvement in Unrivaled – a new 3-on-3 league – has raised eyebrows. “Conflict of interest!” fans cry. Both stars co-founded Unrivaled, which offers better pay and conditions, potentially drawing talent away from the WNBA.

The Backlash and the Backers: A League Divided

Social media is ablaze. On X, supporters cheer Cunningham: “She’s saying what everyone thinks!” Others defend Griner: “This is transphobic bullying.” On Reddit, threads dissect the drama: “Sophie is a hero” vs. “She’s a bigot.”

The WNBA faces a reckoning. A lockout would be devastating, but so would losing stars like Cunningham. Engelbert remains defiant: “We will negotiate fairly.”

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham has lit a match in a room full of dynamite. Whether it burns the league down or forces real change remains to be seen.