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Sophie Cunningham’s viral WNBA moment hits unexpected roadblock, but there’s a catch originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham’s unforgettable finger-pointing moment became one of the biggest sports memes of the summer. Turning that viral image into official WNBA merchandise, however, will not be so simple.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association has decided that its licensed business partners cannot use the image of Cunningham pointing at Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner during a heated game against the Indiana Fever. That means brands operating under the WNBPA’s group licensing agreement will not be permitted to sell shirts, hats or other products featuring the viral confrontation.
There is one important catch: Cunningham could still cash in on the moment herself.
Why the WNBPA blocked Sophie Cunningham merchandise
The now-famous image came during a heated Fever-Mercury game in late June. After Bonner became involved in an exchange with Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Cunningham stepped into the confrontation and silently pointed at her former Indiana teammate. Cunningham held the pose for more than 20 seconds, maintaining eye contact as officials attempted to regain control.
The bizarre staredown immediately exploded across social media. Cunningham’s pose was transformed into memes about everything from sports rivalries to politics. Celebrities and professional athletes shared different versions, and even the White House’s official social media account joined the trend.
Despite its popularity, the WNBPA does not want its official partners making money from a confrontation between two players.
“For licensed apparel, we generally do not feature or look to monetize player conduct from a confrontation between our members,” the union told Front Office Sports.
The decision reportedly applies to official WNBPA licensees such as 2K, Panini, Lids and BreakingT. Those companies cannot use the image on products covered by the union’s group licensing program.
The WNBPA’s position does not appear to be a punishment for Cunningham. Instead, the union is drawing a line around how confrontations involving its members can be commercially presented.
Sophie Cunningham can still profit from viral image
The union’s decision closes one potential revenue stream, but it does not prevent Cunningham from independently licensing the moment. Cunningham retains her individual name, image and likeness rights. She could potentially reach her own agreement with a company interested in building merchandise or a marketing campaign around the viral pose.
It remains unclear whether Cunningham has pursued an independent deal or intends to do so. The Fever guard has certainly not avoided the attention. Cunningham recreated the gesture with UFC star Max Holloway during her appearance at UFC 329. The UFC shared the image with the message, “Same energy,” giving the meme another surge of attention.
She also sounded amused by how far the original image had traveled when reporters asked her about it earlier in July.
“I think everyone around the world is posting it,” Cunningham said, according to Forbes Sports’ Tony East. “Every company has done it. … I didn’t really think twice about it.”
What began as an instinctive reaction during a tense game has become an unexpected piece of Cunningham’s growing brand.
MORE: Caitlin Clark gives brutally honest review of Argentina-Spain World Cup final
Viral moment fuels Cunningham’s soaring popularity
Cunningham was already one of the WNBA’s most recognizable personalities, but the finger-pointing meme sent her popularity to another level. The Indiana guard reportedly gained nearly one million Instagram followers over the following month. She has also expanded her profile with high-profile public appearances and brand opportunities away from basketball.
Her play has given Fever fans plenty to celebrate as well. Through 25 games, Cunningham was averaging 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 43.7 percent from 3-point range. She has become an important contributor for an Indiana team battling for playoff position.
Her willingness to defend teammates has also made her a fan favorite in Indianapolis, especially among supporters of Clark. That reputation played directly into the viral moment. Cunningham did not need to say anything. Standing her ground and pointing toward Bonner was enough to send the internet into a frenzy.
Now the WNBPA has made it clear that official licensees will not be allowed to capitalize on the confrontation. Cunningham, however, may still have the last laugh. If she chooses to license the image independently, one of the season’s most popular memes could become another valuable piece of her rapidly expanding off-court business.
More WNBA news:
- Caitlin Clark gives brutally honest review of Argentina-Spain World Cup final
- Indiana Fever share fitting reaction after Caitlin Clark earns AP honor
- Slow-motion video of Paige Bueckers’ frightening fall raises concern after Wings win
- Caitlin Clark’s reaction to historic 45-point game should scare WNBA rivals
- Caitlin Clark reveals mindset behind historic 45-point performance against Storm
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