Sophie’s Arby’s Shirt Just BROKE the WNBA?! 800K Sales in 1 Day — Angel Reese Reacts!

The WNBA has seen breakout stars before. But few — if any — have turned a single moment into a movement quite like Sophie Cunningham.

Once known as a gritty role player with a strong presence on the court, Cunningham has now become one of the most polarizing and powerful figures in women’s sports. From game-night fouls to viral social media posts, she’s flipped the league on its head — and it all started with a shirt.

From Role Player to Revolutionary

Sophie Cunningham wasn’t supposed to be the story of the 2025 WNBA season. But then came the moment that changed everything: an uncalled foul in a game against the Connecticut Sun. Cunningham took a hard hit to the head, then a neck grab — and no whistle. Fans noticed. Sophie noticed. And she decided not to stay quiet.

She posted a TikTok roasting the referees, calling them “slow, useless, and blind.” It went viral in minutes — racking up 1.3 million views and igniting a firestorm in the comments.

The WNBA’s response? A $5,000 fine. But instead of backing down, Cunningham doubled down.

“Hot Girls Eat Arby’s” — And Buy Jerseys Too

Cunningham walked into her next game wearing a T-shirt that read: “Hot Girls Eat Arby’s.” That moment broke the internet — and the WNBA’s grip on its own narrative.

Within 24 hours, the shirt had sold out in all 50 states. Sales topped $800,000 in one day, and Cunningham’s jersey — previously a minor seller — became the #1 best-selling jersey in the WNBA, surpassing even Caitlin Clark.

Arby’s officially endorsed her as an “unapologetic queen,” and rumors quickly emerged of a $2 million national campaign deal on the table. The WNBA? They weren’t profiting from any of it.

A Symbol of Rebellion

Sophie’s rise is no accident. Her timing, style, and refusal to be silenced have struck a chord with fans. Her TikTok following skyrocketed from 300,000 to over 1.7 million, and her presence has turned Fever games into must-see events.

What made her viral moment even more powerful? She stood up for Caitlin Clark. Dubbed “Clark’s enforcer” after a physical showdown in-game, Sophie’s defense of the WNBA’s brightest young star catapulted her into legend status.

Even Angel Reese, often seen as Clark’s rival, reposted the Arby’s clip with a fire emoji and the caption: “They scared of real ones.”

WOW Wrestling, Corporate Offers, and League Tension

As her brand exploded, so did outside opportunities. Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, publicly offered Sophie a spot in WOW – Women of Wrestling, calling her the “enforcer the WNBA needs.”

But the WNBA seems less enthusiastic. While brands line up behind Cunningham, league officials are reportedly considering banning branded apparel altogether — a move critics say is aimed squarely at silencing Cunningham’s momentum rather than addressing real problems like inconsistent officiating and player safety.

The $5K Fine Club — A Flex, Not a Punishment

In her latest post, Cunningham posed with an Arby’s burger, wearing a gold chain that read: “5K Fine Club.” It’s clear she sees the league’s attempt to punish her as a badge of honor — and her fans agree.

What started as frustration with officiating has morphed into something far bigger: a rebellion against a system that many say prioritizes control over authenticity.

Is the WNBA Crumbling or Evolving?

The WNBA is at a tipping point. As Cunningham’s influence grows and traditional structures strain to contain her, the league faces a critical question:

Is it prepared to support the very stars it helped create?

Fans are increasingly vocal about what they see as the league’s missteps — punishing outspoken players, ignoring safety concerns, and failing to evolve with its audience.

One TikTok commenter said it best:

“Sophie didn’t break the league. She just showed us it was already cracked.”