Sophie Cunningham credits young stars for recent WNBA popularity surge
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:19 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
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.
- •Sophie Cunningham cited Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and Cameron Brink for expanding the WNBA audience.
- •Cunningham advocated for embracing the league's popularity surge instead of focusing on internal resentment.
- •Young stars arrived with established fanbases from their collegiate careers.
- •Established players like A’Ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Napheesa Collier remain central to the league.
- 12:19 PMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham Once Explained Why The WNBA Should Be ‘Thankful’ For Angel Reese And Paige Bueckers
- 7:26 AMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham once revealed why WNBA should be ‘thankful’ to Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers
"Despite some grievances held by the older guard of the WNBA, Sophie Cunningham believes stars like Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have been massive for the league. The WNBA’s explosion in popularity over the last few years has been thanks in large part to the arrival of stars like Reese, Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark.
"Sophie Cunningham named the players who brought college fans flooding into the WNBA.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 12:19 PMSophie Cunningham Once Explained Why The WNBA Should Be ‘Thankful’ For Angel Reese And Paige Bueckers
Sophie Cunningham named the players who brought college fans flooding into the WNBA.
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 7:26 AMSophie Cunningham once revealed why WNBA should be ‘thankful’ to Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers
Despite some grievances held by the older guard of the WNBA, Sophie Cunningham believes stars like Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have been massive for the league. The WNBA’s explosion in popularity over the last few years has been thanks in large part to the arrival of stars like Reese, Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Oct 17, 2026, 12:21 AMThe four factors for Valkyries vs. Dream that will decide who wins WNBA Finals
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 6:07 PMAtlantic Division + 2026 WNBA Finals preview
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 2:37 PM‘The point is to sow division’: WNBA trans athlete debate exposed as ‘manufactured outrage’
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 9:32 PMAngel Reese's WNBA Finals appearance comes with unexpected controversy for Atlanta Dream
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 10:30 AM‘I sort of like her’: President Trump sends a message to Sophie Cunningham
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 10:16 AMWNBA free agent fits: Napheesa Collier to Golden State? Kelsey Mitchell to Las Vegas?