Sophie Cunningham Makes Public Plea After Watching WNBA Rival Angel Reese On Victoria’s Secret Catwalk

The WNBA offseason has been nothing short of dramatic, and this week’s spotlight belongs to Sophie Cunningham — the fiery Indiana Fever star who made headlines after sharing an emotional, and surprisingly candid, message following Angel Reese’s viral appearance at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

Reese, known for her confidence both on and off the court, stunned fans and critics alike by walking the runway for the iconic lingerie brand, marking a major crossover between basketball and fashion. The moment quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions from players, fans, and media outlets. But none caught as much attention as Sophie Cunningham’s public response.

Shortly after clips of Reese’s catwalk flooded social media, Cunningham took to Instagram with a statement that instantly lit up the WNBA community.

“Every woman in this league should have the freedom to be herself — on or off the court,” Cunningham wrote. “But I just hope we remember what built our platform: hard work, grit, and love for the game.”

The comment struck a nerve. Some praised Cunningham for promoting balance and authenticity, while others interpreted her words as a subtle jab at Reese’s increasing focus on celebrity and branding over basketball. The tension between the two players has been brewing since the Fever and the Sky faced off in several heated matchups during the 2025 season, with Reese often portrayed as Clark’s outspoken rival.

Reese’s fans were quick to defend her, saying she’s simply expanding her influence and showing that women athletes can thrive beyond sports. But Cunningham’s supporters saw her statement as a genuine reminder about the league’s foundation and respect for competition.

Within hours, the internet turned the exchange into a trending debate. ESPN analysts chimed in, with one host commenting,

“Cunningham’s not hating — she’s protecting the integrity of the sport. But when someone like Angel Reese steps into a global spotlight, it changes the narrative of what a WNBA star can be.”

The Fever guard later clarified her post in a follow-up interview, emphasizing that she “wasn’t throwing shade” but simply expressing her belief that young athletes should prioritize performance first.

“I respect what Angel’s doing. She’s breaking barriers. I just think the WNBA needs to keep basketball at its core — that’s what keeps fans loyal,” Cunningham said.

Reese, on her part, responded gracefully in a TikTok Live session, saying,

“Women can be athletes and models, strong and beautiful. There’s no one way to represent who we are.”

This subtle back-and-forth has reignited discussions about the evolution of women’s sports culture, especially in an era where players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others are redefining how fame, fashion, and athleticism intersect.

Marketing experts argue that Reese’s appearance could be a game-changer for the league. A former Nike executive told Sports Business Journal,

“The WNBA has struggled to bridge sports and entertainment. Angel walking for Victoria’s Secret brings a new demographic — people who might not watch basketball but care about culture and fashion.”

Still, some veteran players worry that too much emphasis on off-court fame might distract from the league’s mission to build credibility and competitiveness. Cunningham’s emotional post, many believe, echoes that concern.

Regardless of interpretation, both players have now become symbols of the WNBA’s growing diversity of expression — Reese representing the bold, modern athlete unafraid to chase fame, and Cunningham standing for the grounded, hard-working competitor who values the purity of the game.

As the offseason continues, the rivalry between Sophie Cunningham and Angel Reese seems destined to shape not just the next Fever–Sky matchup, but the broader conversation about identity, empowerment, and evolution in women’s sports.