Sophie Cunningham credits young stars for recent WNBA popularity surge

Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham expressed support for the influence of young WNBA stars on the league's rising profile. Speaking on the Like a Farmer podcast earlier this year, Cunningham identified Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Cameron Brink as instrumental in bridging the gap between collegiate fanbases and professional basketball. She noted that this generation of players effectively utilized social media to cultivate large followings that transferred to the WNBA. While some veteran players have voiced concerns regarding the attention given to newcomers, Cunningham encouraged her contemporaries to view the shift as an opportunity for league growth and increased professional compensation. The influx of new talent, including Caitlin Clark, has coincided with a period of expanded viewership across the WNBA. Cunningham maintains that the league should appreciate the contributions of these younger athletes rather than harbor resentment toward their popularity.

• 7:26 AMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham once revealed why WNBA should be ‘thankful’ to Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers