Paige Bueckers vs. Sophie Cunningham. From a basketball perspective, these two women really can’t be compared to one another.
One is a recent No. 1 draft pick who’s been named an All-Star in each of her first two seasons. The other has been in the WNBA for eight years, has zero All-Star selections, and has started in just three of her 27 appearances in the 2026 campaign. These two are not the same.
Yet, from a popularity standpoint, Cunningham, who’s become the focus of countless pointing memes and political debates, is arguably more well-known than Bueckers. Now, the WNBA world can’t seem to decide between the two players, who have become stars for two different reasons.
Sophie Cunningham Sparks Divisive Discourse After Passing Paige Bueckers in Instagram Followers
On Thursday, BrickCenter pointed out on X that Cunningham “now has more Instagram followers” than Bueckers, with 3.2 million compared to 3.1 million.
Sophie Cunningham now has more Instagram followers than Paige Bueckers 😭 pic.twitter.com/voZiaM04OW
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) July 31, 2026
The post was enough to get one X account to bite, claiming, “Sophie is way more likable.” They also had a nickname for Bueckers, calling her “Pandering Paige.”
Sophie is way more likable.
Pandering Paige is ghetto and a cheat.
— WhySoGnostic (@WhySoGnostic) July 31, 2026
Meanwhile, Hardwood Insider suggested that people “care more about politics than the WNBA.”
This proves people care more about politics than the wnba.
— Hardwood Insider🏀 (@hardwoodinsider) July 31, 2026
One user called on advertisers to capitalize on Cunningham’s surging popularity.
“Companies need to take note and give Sophie Cunningham endorsements. Where is Sophie’s signature meal @Arbys?” the user wrote.
Companies need to take note and give Sophie Cunningham endorsements. Where is Sophie’s signature meal @Arbys?
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) July 31, 2026
Another pointed out how quietly Cunningham passed Bueckers, acknowledging a significant achievement for someone who hasn’t enjoyed the same level of on-court success.
“Sophie just casually hopped over Paige on IG like it was nothing,” the account noted.
Sophie just casually hopped over Paige on IG like it was nothing.
— Eliza J (@ElizaReceipt) July 31, 2026
Then a user roped recent WNBA controversies into the picture, suggesting the league would find some way to make this development about politics.
“Lmfao The W will frame it as CC racist MAGA fans. A businesswoman would embrace it and market it. Grow the league,” the observer weighed in.
Lmfao The W will frame it as CC racist MAGA fans.
A businesswoman would embrace it and market it. Grow the league.
— Ted E. Bear (@TedEBear607) July 31, 2026
One account continued the political theme by poking fun at the situation, writing, “MAGA princess gets a bump? LOL.”
MAGAt princess get a bump? LOL
— i_am_the_knight (@randy3dotwong) July 31, 2026
Another added, “Proof that being MAGA does get you somewhere in life.”
Proof that being MAGA does get you somewhere in life…
— Kansasball (@rsusnowangels) July 31, 2026
One user gave credit to Cunningham for being vocal on prominent topics, like transgender women competing in women’s sports, and making herself the type of player fans have been waiting for.
“Sophie is the superstar the fans have wanted, but the league couldn’t produce. It takes a very strong personality to stand up and take all the heat. Most can’t do it,” the user applauded.
Sophie is the superstar the fans have wanted but the league couldn’t produce. It takes a very strong personality to stand up and take all the heat. Most can’t do it. https://t.co/JWv26YBJyh
— CCFC-New season (@sohali2012) July 31, 2026
While it may be surprising to see Cunningham’s follower count climb past an elite talent like Bueckers, it’s not necessarily a bad development for the WNBA. One of their stars is surging in popularity; isn’t that the goal?
