Angel Reese has playfully (or maybe not-so-playfully) fired a warning shot at fellow rookie Caitlin Clark — and it involves none other than Phoenix Mercury’s rising star, Sophie Cunningham.

Reese, known for her fierce competitiveness and unapologetic confidence, reportedly joked that Clark “might dramatically faint” once she realizes that Cunningham could become the league’s next media darling — potentially stealing some of Clark’s white-hot spotlight.

While the comment may have been said with a wink, it underscores the increasingly complex dynamics forming among the WNBA’s young stars. With Clark’s record-breaking college career turning her into a household name, and Reese quickly becoming a fan favorite in Chicago, all eyes have been on how these new faces will coexist in a league already brimming with talent and personality.

Enter Sophie Cunningham — a seasoned player with sharp shooting skills and an infectious energy that’s winning over fans and turning heads on social media. With Cunningham’s star quietly rising, Reese’s comment could be a reflection of real competition brewing behind the scenes — or a subtle reminder that fame in women’s basketball can be fleeting and fiercely contested.

“Their friendship might not last long,” one insider joked, referring to the delicate balance between on-court respect and off-court rivalry.

Whether this is just playful banter or a glimpse into deeper competitive tensions, one thing’s certain: the WNBA isn’t just delivering highlight reels — it’s giving us drama, storylines, and personalities that rival anything in the NBA.

Stay tuned — the season’s just heating up.

Cleveland, Detroit respond to Sophie Cunningham’s WNBA expansion comments

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, right, works the floor against Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas.
Julio Cortez/AP

CLEVELAND (AP) — The folks in Cleveland and Detroit are pushing back on Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham with some civic pride after Cunningham questioned the league’s choice of expansion to those markets.

The social media accounts for each city posted responses to Cunningham, who said Tuesday she wasn’t sure “how excited people are to be going to Detroit or (Cleveland).”

The X account for Cleveland posted a video of Fever star Caitlin Clark talking about having a good time in Cleveland during the 2024 Final Four in college, noting: “Sophie, your teammate doesn’t seem to think Cleveland is too bad!”

As for Detroit, the city posted on X about the former Shock franchise’s strong attendance record and noted: “Detroit is a sports town.”

The WNBA on Monday announced its plans to add three more expansion teams by 2030. The league already had plans to add franchises in Toronto and Portland next season. The three new teams will play in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030), giving the league 18 teams.

Cunningham, a seven-year veteran who spent her first six years in Phoenix, expressed skepticism over the latest choices, two of which — Cleveland and Detroit — have already seen WNBA franchises come and go.