WNBA Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman unleashed a fiery defense of Detroit this week, sharply criticizing Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham over her viral Photo the city’s appeal as a league expansion hub. The controversy erupted when a clip of Cunningham’s podcast remarks surfaced, where she quipped, “I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit,” alongside lukewarm takes on Cleveland and Philadelphia—upcoming WNBA markets set for 2026 and 2029.
Lieberman, who coached the Detroit Shock from 1998-2000 and played there in 2008, didn’t hold back in her TMZ Sports interview. “You might wanna talk to LeBron, you might wanna talk to Grant Hill, Julius Erving, Chuck, Allen Iverson,” she fired, listing NBA icons tied to those “blue-collar” cities. Dismissing Cunningham’s views as “shortsighted,” Lieberman highlighted the “loyal fandom” she witnessed firsthand, crediting such markets for building the WNBA’s foundation.
The viral backlash amplified quickly on social media, with fans and Cleveland’s official account clapping back using Caitlin Clark’s praise for the city. Cunningham, a Missouri native and known for her bold personality, later clarified to The Next that her intent was “off-court vibe” like “Broadway-style excitement,” not disrespecting workers or history. “I would never speak down upon middle-class, blue-collar, working people. That’s where I come from,” she emphasized, while standing by preferences for bigger markets like Miami.
Lieberman’s response underscores a generational tension in the booming WNBA: respecting gritty roots amid glamorous growth. As expansion fuels record attendance, her words serve as a reminder—legacy trumps trends. With Detroit’s team revival on the horizon, Lieberman even hinted at returning to coach, ensuring the Motor City’s passion endures.
