Following the Indiana Fever's 105-95 victory over the Seattle Storm on July 28, 2026, a "Support Sophie Cunningham" rally took place outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The rally was a grassroots response to comments Cunningham made weeks earlier, acknowledging the negative attention the WNBA receives and stating, "that's part of the job and she realizes she's an entertainer."

During the postgame press conference, a reporter asked Fever head coach Stephanie White about the rally. However, a spokesperson intervened with a prepared statement from the Fever, shielding Cunningham from direct questions.

This led to criticism from former ESPN commentator Jemele Hill, who accused Cunningham of "ducking the smoke" for avoiding the postgame questions. Hill also claimed the Fever betrayed their other players and coach White by putting them in a position to answer on Cunningham's behalf. Hill stated that Cunningham is "building an entire brand on being outspoken and yet when the smoke came, she ducked it."

Supporters of Cunningham argue that the reporter had every right to ask about the rally, emphasizing that if a rally is taking place outside the arena, it should be addressed promptly.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in sports media and athlete activism, particularly around issues of defending women's sports.

Sources