The WNBA Players’ Association is reportedly preventing licensed companies from using Sophie Cunningham’s viral pointing gesture.
Since the Indiana Fever star’s gesture was mocking Phoenix Mercury veteran DeWanna Bonner, the WNBA Players’ Association is considering it “derogatory.” This sparked intense debate over the league’s controversial handling of the meme.
Players’ Association’s Decision to Block Sophie Cunningham Meme Sparks Debate
The gesture from Cunningham went viral last month after she aimed her finger directly at Bonner for 22 seconds during a tense Fever and Mercury contest. Everyone from NFL legend Tom Brady to the White House shared the meme, which has given the WNBA a ton of exposure.
However, sports business expert Darren Rovell reported on Monday that the WNBA players’ union does not want licensees to use the finger-pointing gesture.
“The WNBA Players Association is currently prohibiting licensees from using the Sophie point, saying that it is ‘derogatory,’” he wrote, adding, “It’s very real. Just spoke to someone at a big company who showed me their rejection.”
The WNBA Players Association is currently prohibiting licensees from using the Sophie point, saying that it is “derogatory.” https://t.co/cOhUGhseWI
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 20, 2026
In a statement to Front Office Sports, the WNBPA added that in general, it does not “feature or look to monetize player conduct from a confrontation between our members.”
After these posts went viral, the backlash on social media was swift.
“The WNBA continues to prove time and time again that they are not ready for prime time. This is not a serious league,” they wrote.
“Another example of being an unserious league,” echoed one sports radio host.
Another example of being an unserious league. https://t.co/PymTv8a3mT
— Ethan Moore (@_EthanMoore) July 20, 2026
One influencer was stunned at the WNBA Players’ Association’s attempts to stop licensees from using the viral gesture.
“Is this real,” they wrote with three laughing emojis.
Is this real 😂😂😂 https://t.co/hCscQdKYMU
— Mick (@DBGyt_) July 20, 2026
“Wow. I’m so tired. Keep pointing Sophie Cunningham!” another influencer wrote.
A former journalist was left confused by the WNBA’s failure to capitalize on one of the season’s most viral moments so far.
“Every single thing the WNBA does seems to be against their best interests. The most viral moment of the entire season and they are banning it,” they wrote.
Every single thing the WNBA does seems to be against their best interests.
The most viral moment of the entire season and they are banning it. https://t.co/ZOKlQ88ubw
— Eric Lloyd (@EricLloyd) July 20, 2026
“The WNBA cannot get out of its own way,” another user wrote.
This is the latest in a long line of polarizing WNBA incidents that have led to questions about the league’s leadership.
It remains to be seen whether the WNBA Players’ Association will back off its stance or continue blocking licensees interested in using the meme.
