In a bold and unapologetic statement that’s lighting up the women’s basketball world, Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has put the entire WNBA on notice. According to Cunningham, teams across the league are “lying” when they claim to have the best fans—because in her eyes, there’s only one fanbase that deserves that title: Indiana.

Speaking candidly in a post-game interview following a showdown with the Indiana Fever, Cunningham praised the crowd inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a level of enthusiasm and admiration that’s rarely seen from opposing players.

“Every team says they have the best fans, but let’s be real—they’re lying,” Cunningham said. “Indiana doesn’t just show up. They show out. That building was loud, electric, and full of energy from tip-off to the final buzzer.”

A Statement That Stirred the Pot

Cunningham’s comments quickly made waves on social media, with fans from across the WNBA chiming in—some in agreement, others ready to defend their own team’s fanbase. Her remarks reignited the perennial debate over which franchise truly boasts the most passionate and supportive followers.

While some saw her statement as a slight against Mercury fans, others recognized it for what it was: a raw, unfiltered acknowledgment of the Fever’s rapidly growing fan culture—driven in large part by the arrival of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

There’s no denying that Caitlin Clark has been a game-changer—not just on the court, but in the stands. Since Clark joined the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 overall draft pick, the team has seen a massive boost in attendance, merchandise sales, and national media attention. Home games have become sold-out affairs, with fans lining up hours in advance just for a glimpse of their new hero.

Cunningham acknowledged that Clark has played a role in turning Indiana into a must-watch destination.

“Yeah, Caitlin’s got a lot to do with it,” she said. “But it’s more than just her. This city loves basketball, and you can feel that in the arena. The fans are knowledgeable, passionate, and they make it tough to play here. That’s real home court advantage.”

Fans React

Cunningham’s praise didn’t go unnoticed by Indiana Fever supporters, many of whom took to social media to express their appreciation.

One fan tweeted:

“Sophie keeping it real. We bleed basketball here. Thank you for recognizing what we bring to every game.”

Another wrote:

“Say it louder for the people in the back. Indiana IS the heart of hoops.”

Meanwhile, fans from teams like Seattle, Las Vegas, and New York weren’t shy about defending their home courts.

“No disrespect to Indiana,” one Liberty fan posted, “but let’s not forget who’s been selling out arenas for years.”

Still, Cunningham doubled down later on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Not taking anything away from other teams, but I stand by what I said. Indiana showed out.”

More Than Just Hype

What makes Cunningham’s comments stand out is the context in which they were made. She’s not a teammate of Clark. She’s not pandering to a home crowd. She’s an opponent—one who just played against Indiana in their own building, experienced the atmosphere firsthand, and came away impressed.

For a league that’s constantly looking to grow its fan base and drive engagement, this kind of organic recognition is priceless. It also highlights a shift happening within the WNBA, where certain teams are beginning to emerge as cultural powerhouses, capable of drawing national attention and filling arenas in ways previously unseen.

The Bigger Picture

Sophie Cunningham has always been known for her fearless play and bold personality, and her recent comments are just another example of her willingness to speak her mind. But more importantly, her remarks shine a spotlight on what the WNBA is building—not just in Indiana, but across the board.

The league is in the middle of a major growth spurt, and fan engagement is at an all-time high. Whether it’s the star power of Caitlin Clark, the dominance of A’ja Wilson in Las Vegas, or the electric crowds at Barclays Center in New York, the WNBA is becoming more competitive, more exciting, and more talked about than ever before.

Final Thoughts

Sophie Cunningham’s blunt honesty may have ruffled a few feathers, but it also served as a powerful endorsement of the energy, loyalty, and love for the game that Indiana Fever fans bring night in and night out. In a league built on passion and perseverance, Cunningham’s message is clear: when it comes to fanbases, Indiana isn’t just part of the conversation—they’re leading it.

So whether you agree or disagree, one thing’s for sure—the fans in Indiana have made people stand up and take notice. And that, as Cunningham says, is what showing out is all about.