WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Responds to Criticism of Her Rogue, Barely-There Pregame Outfits

Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham hasn’t stayed silent after fans cried foul over her pregame outfits amid the WNBA’s growing popularity.

Off the court, Cunningham has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most daring players. With a slew of pregame outfits this season, fans increasingly have mixed feelings about her wardrobe.

The veteran turned heads ahead of a game against the New York Liberty in late August with her Love Island-inspired outfit, wearing a revealing dress that showed off her tan lines. After fans raised questions about the dress, Cunningham responded by saying the outfit was “mom approved.”

“I was just talking to someone and I was like, ‘Actually, my mom picked this outfit out,’” Cunningham told Fox News Digital with a laugh.

“Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, your parents —’ and I’m like, actually, my mom did that. But no, I had no idea,” she said when asked if she thought the tan line reveal would be controversial.

Mercury star Sophie Cunningham hits back after fans questioned her pre-match outfits

Off the court, Cunningham has earned a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most fearless players.

Despite the criticism, Cunningham sees the attention she’s receiving as a sign of the WNBA’s growth. With attendance and viewership reaching new highs this season, she sees fans becoming more interested not only in the game, but also in the players.

“I think it’s really cool that people are interested in what we do off the field now,” Cunningham said. “Our tunnel kits have become a fashion show, and people are so excited and intrigued about what we’re going to wear.”

With a 74-66 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, the Mercury secured their 14th playoff appearance in 16 seasons.

Despite suffering a tough 90-77 loss to the Washington Mystics on Thursday, Phoenix’s postseason dreams are secure – they sit at 17-18 with five games remaining.

Cunningham and his teammates sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, with seventh place being clinched.

They will travel to Seattle, host Connecticut, and hit the road against Los Angeles and eighth-seeded Chicago before finishing the regular season at home against the Storm.