Sophie Cunningham Addresses a Common Misconception About the WNBA
Sophie Cunningham opened up about what she believes fans misunderstand most about the WNBA, offering her perspective on the league and its players.
Video Transcript
Sophie Cunningham says Caitlin Clark has the potential to become the greatest of all time, but isn't there yet.
Caitlin Clark arrived in the WNBA with one of the most celebrated college careers in history.
At Iowa, she led Division I three times in both scoring and assists, and broke the all-time record for the most 30-point games ever recorded.
She was also named among the greatest collegiate players in the Women's Poll era, alongside legends like Cheryl Miller, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart.
Her transition to the pros was equally impressive.
In her rookie season, Clark earned All-Star and All-WNBA first team honors while leading the entire league in assists, a dominant debut by any measure.
But her Indiana Fever teammate, Sophie Cunningham, has pushed back on the idea that Clark has already reached GOAT status.
In an interview recorded over a year ago, before the two became teammates, Cunningham acknowledged the wave of new attention Clark has brought to the league, while also pointing out what she sees as a widespread misunderstanding among newer fans.
Cunningham noted that talented players have always existed in the WNBA.
In her view, the league's earlier stars did not receive the visibility or financial compensation they deserved, and many new fans drawn in by Clark may not fully appreciate that history.
She also highlighted that the current wave of attention extends beyond just Clark, naming Angel Reese and Cameron Brink as players who have also brought significant new followings to the league.
Her broader point was simple: when women's sports are given proper airtime and visibility, audiences show up.
Clark's impact has not been limited to the court.
Since her arrival, WNBA has seen a significant surge in viewership and public interest, driven in part by her growing profile and consistent on-court performance.
Cunningham's comments were not a dismissal of Clark's abilities.
She acknowledged that Clark could well become the greatest to ever play the game.
It was rather a call for fans to recognize the full history of a league that has always had elite talent at its core.
