The Viral Moment: During a June 24 matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham pointed at former teammate DeWanna Bonner during an on-court scuffle. The image became an instant viral meme, shared by celebrities, athletes, and even the official White House social media account.
WNBPA's Decision: The Women's National Basketball Players Association is prohibiting its official licensees — including 2K, Panini, Lids, and BreakingT — from using the image on licensed merchandise. The union stated it does not "feature or look to monetize player conduct from a confrontation between our members."
Cunningham Still Has Options: The guard retains the right to independently license and monetize the moment using her own NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights. She can work directly with brands even if those brands are also union partners.
On-Court Performance: Through 25 games, Cunningham is averaging 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and 43.7% from three-point range — one of the best seasons of her eight-year career. The Fever sit at 16-10, firmly in playoff contention.
Social Media Explosion: Cunningham has gained nearly one million Instagram followers since the pointing incident, reflecting the massive reach of the meme.
Youth Camp Success: On July 19, Cunningham hosted the "Simple Truth Sophie Cunningham Basketball ProCamp" at the Aletto Family Sports Center in Carmel, Indiana, welcoming over 300 children in grades 1-8. She played one-on-one games, ran drills, and even paused to rescue a bug from the court — drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.
Why This Matters: This situation highlights the tension between the business of sports and authentic player moments. The WNBPA's decision raises important questions about who controls a player's image when a spontaneous moment goes viral, and how athletes can capitalize on their personal brand without conflict with union agreements.
The incident occurred during a heated June 24 game between the Fever and the Phoenix Mercury. Earlier in the game, Alyssa Thomas — Bonner's teammate and fiancé — struck Fever star Caitlin Clark in the throat and was retroactively suspended. When Bonner and Clark got tied up on the court, Cunningham pointed at Bonner, and the moment was captured in a now-iconic photograph.
The WNBPA's decision is rooted in its group licensing agreement, which allows brand partners to use players' NIL without negotiating with each individual. By blocking the use of this specific image, the union is drawing a line: confrontations between players should not be commercialized by official partners.
However, the union clarified that "players are of course free to create and/or license their own product." This means Cunningham could sign a sponsorship deal with any brand — including those that are also union partners — as long as she negotiates independently. Any brand wanting to use WNBA team logos or branding would need league approval separately.
Cunningham has fully embraced the meme's popularity. She recreated the gesture alongside UFC star Max Holloway at UFC 329, where she served as a guest ring girl. When asked about the White House using the image, she told reporters: "I think everyone around the world is posting it. Every company has done it... I didn't really think twice about it."
Beyond the viral fame, Cunningham is making a tangible impact in her community. Her youth basketball camp in Carmel, Indiana, hosted over 300 boys and girls, where she taught skills through drills, instruction, and games. The camp was a chance for young athletes to learn from one of the WNBA's most popular players — and Cunningham didn't hold back, playing competitive one-on-one games and trading wins and losses with campers to the delight of the crowd.
WNBA Players: The decision sets a precedent for how player confrontations can be monetized, affecting future NIL opportunities for all league members.
Fans & Collectors: Official merchandise featuring the iconic pointing gesture will not be available through licensed channels, though Cunningham may independently release products.
Brand Partners: Companies like 2K, Panini, and Lids must now seek alternative arrangements if they want to feature the image.
Young Athletes: Cunningham's camp demonstrates how athletes can leverage popularity to inspire the next generation.
Can Sophie Cunningham still make money from the viral pointing meme?
Yes. While the WNBPA is blocking its official licensees from using the image, Cunningham is free to independently license and monetize the moment using her own NIL rights. She can work directly with any brand.
Why did the WNBPA block the image from merchandise?
The union stated it does not want to "feature or look to monetize player conduct from a confrontation between our members." The gesture was considered "derogatory" by the union.
Did Cunningham and Bonner have a history?
They were briefly teammates on the Fever last season. The pointing incident occurred during an on-court scuffle after Bonner and Fever star Caitlin Clark were tied up during the game.
How has Cunningham performed this season?
She is having one of the best seasons of her career, averaging 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and 43.7% from three-point range. The Fever are 16-10.
How many Instagram followers has she gained?
Nearly one million followers since the pointing incident went viral.
For Athletes: This case highlights the importance of understanding your NIL rights and union agreements. Even if your union blocks certain uses of your image, you may still have the ability to independently capitalize on viral moments.
For Fans: If you want Cunningham-themed merchandise, keep an eye on her personal channels — she may independently release products featuring the iconic gesture.
For Marketers & Brands: Working directly with athletes on individual NIL deals can be a viable path when union group licensing restrictions apply.
For Young Players: Cunningham's camp shows that whether you're a viral sensation or not, giving back to your community and inspiring the next generation is what truly builds a lasting legacy.
What do you think of the WNBPA's decision to block the use of Sophie Cunningham's viral pointing gesture on official merchandise? Should the union have allowed it, or is it right to avoid monetizing confrontations between players? Let us know in the comments!
*Do you think Sophie Cunningham will independently release merchandise featuring the meme? Share your thoughts!*
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