Following the Sparks’ 89-87 win over the Indiana Fever on Saturday, the team wasted no time trolling Cunningham on social media over her comments about the WNBA’s planned expansion.

“List of cities Indiana has beef with: Detroit Cleveland Los Angeles,” the Sparks’ official X account posted along with the final score of the game.

This is in reference to Cunningham, a guard for the Fever, who sparked controversy this week when she questioned the excitement around the WNBA’s planned expansion into Detroit and Cleveland, suggesting alternatives like Miami or Nashville might be more appealing.

“Where do [players] want to play?” she questioned.

“Where are they going to get excited to play and draw fans? I do think that Miami would have been a great one. Like, everyone loves Florida. Nashville is an amazing city. Kansas City — amazing opportunity,” Cunningham added. “I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland].”

Cunningham’s comments drew reactions from many, including Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, as well as Cavs superstar Donovan Mitchell.

“Come on Sophie, obviously you haven’t been to Detroit or Cleveland … you should support your Midwest sisters in this league and these two great cities that you’re going to come to know and love very shortly,” Gilbert said.

Mitchell posted “Cleveland in the summertime” with fire emojis.

Sophie Cunningham caught flack for her comments about Detroit and Cleveland.NBAE via Getty Images

Cunningham later attempted to clarify her comments.

“First of all, I know the history of the WNBA. I know that both of those cities have had teams before, and they got us where we’re at, so I’m thankful for that,” she said. “All I was really getting at was Broadway, the off-court lifestyle and so I think that is really intriguing. I think Miami’s intriguing. That’s all I was getting at.

“I think it would be fun to get some teams outside of the NBA market . . . . I think people totally misread the situation. I would never speak down upon middle-class, blue-collar working people. That’s where I come from. I’m from Missouri. I get I’m in Indiana, and that’s why I’m kind of hinting at Broadway sounds fun, Miami sounds fun. That’s all I was getting at.”

Cunningham had just four points in the loss, and has broken double figures twice this year.

Sophie Cunningham arrives before the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 5, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.Getty Images

The Fever are 9-9 this season as their cornerstone Caitlin Clark — who sat Saturday — continues to deal with an injury-plagued season.

Cunningham is averaging 5.2 points per game while shooting just 30 percent from deep this season, where she takes the bulk of her shots.