Indiana Fever v Atlanta Dream ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 20: Sophie Cunningham 8 of the Indiana Fever celebrates a three pointer during a game between Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena on June 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 9405

WNBA analyst sounds off on Players Union's decision over Sophie Cunningham's viral gesture

Jul 21, 2026, 3:50 PM CUT

A ruling by the players' union regarding Sophie Cunningham and her viral on-court gesture has led to criticism. The league decided to block official merchandise featuring the famous pointing moment.

The union stated it does not monetize player conduct that stems from physical or verbal on-court confrontations. Official WNBA partners like Panini, 2K, Lids, and BreakingT cannot use the gesture under these group licensing rules.

“They just can't seem to get out of their own way. Folks, saying a point is derogatory, you can't hate this league enough. You can't hate this league enough. This is why, outside of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, this is why I clown on everything regarding this league as frequently as I do, because it's not to be taken serious.”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 27: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham 8 drops back to play defense against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 27, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA JUN 27 Los Angeles Sparks at Indiana Fever EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon26062780

Sports analyst Ben Daniel shared his frustration on The Ben Daniel Podcast. However, Cunningham still owns her personal licensing rights. She can profit from the moment if she chooses to pursue her own merchandise.

Daniel believes the union turned a harmless, funny moment into a serious controversy. His main criticism centers on the idea that the league keeps creating roadblocks for itself and feels they are shutting them down.

He then continued, "It's a drama. It's a reality show. It's a soap opera. The Real Housewives of the WNBA. But we're going to change it. It's going to be The Real Victims of the WNBA featuring Angel Reese.”

Daniel used sarcasm to argue that WNBA discussions often center on drama and narratives instead of actual basketball.

His pointed reference to Angel Reese was part of his critique of recurring "victim" narratives that he feels overshadow on-court play.

How the "point" became a WNBA viral moment

The original incident took place during the June 22 game between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury. Caitlin Clark received a technical foul during a tense moment on the court.

Cunningham then walked toward the referee while pointing at DeWanna Bonner. She believed both players should have been involved in the penalty call. Bonner asked her to stop, but the pointing gesture continued in a prolonged manner.

Cunningham later explained on the Show Me Something with West Wilson podcast. She said, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever done." She also added, "She was losing it, and all I did was point."

The WNBPA stepped in to enforce an existing licensing policy, rather than creating a brand-new rule. This was reported by Front Office Sports. The union avoids monetizing any confrontations between opposing players.

Some reports also noted that the gesture was considered "derogatory" within the official licensing discussions.

The union is trying to protect the league's professional image. Meanwhile, critics argue that these player personalities are what is driving the current momentum.

Do you think the league is right to protect its professional image, or are they just stepping in without any reason?

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha