WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Sparks Social Media Frenzy With Racy Outfit Post [WATCH]

Sophie Cunningham Sparks Social Media Frenzy with Missouri Victory Post, Faces WNBA Photoshoot Backlash

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has set social media abuzz after posting a bold celebration photo following the Missouri Tigers’ 76-67 victory over the Kansas Tigers on Sunday.

The Phoenix Mercury forward and University of Missouri graduate shared the image on X (formerly Twitter), where she has 60,000 followers, sparking reactions from fans and critics alike.

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Cunningham, 28, posted a photo of herself in a navy bodysuit adorned with embellishments, accompanied by a cheeky caption: “now that I have your attention….. MIZ-FkU plays Mr. Brightside all day.”

The abbreviation “FkU” was an apparent jab at Missouri’s rivals, Kansas University, referencing the longstanding animosity between the two schools.

The caption also nodded to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, a song that blared throughout the Mizzou Arena during Sunday’s game.

now that I have your attention….. MIZ-FkU **plays Mr. Brightside all day** pic.twitter.com/0dVFaJRtBJ

— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) December 8, 2024

While her celebratory message fired up Missouri fans, the revealing outfit captured the attention of her broader audience.

Fans flooded Cunningham’s post with comments, ranging from admiration to humor. One user wrote, “Omg. Might be the hottest pic I’ve ever seen. Sophie is the most beautiful player in the WNBA by a mile.” Another quipped, “Gonna leave this pic on my phone so long it gets a screen burn.”

Cunningham’s celebration post came on the heels of a separate controversy involving a promotional photoshoot conducted by the Phoenix Mercury during the WNBA offseason.

The shoot, which included Cunningham and her teammates Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, was intended to build excitement for the 2025 season after the league announced its schedule earlier in the week.

However, one particular pose in the shoot drew backlash online.

In the photo, Cunningham is seen sitting on Copper, who is lying on the floor with her feet up.

Critics took to social media, accusing the pose of perpetuating racial insensitivity, as Copper is African American and Cunningham is white.

We’ve already asked our boss if we can frame these in the practice facility pic.twitter.com/33l8pLXQ6n

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) December 2, 2024

The image quickly circulated online, with some WNBA fans labeling it “racist” and questioning how the pose was approved.

The Phoenix Mercury has not commented publicly on the accusations, and Cunningham has not addressed the controversy directly.

Cunningham recently concluded her sixth season with the Phoenix Mercury, where she has become a fan favorite for her on-court performances and outspoken personality.

Known for her confidence and willingness to engage with fans, she has maintained a strong social media presence, often sharing insights into her life on and off the court.

Despite the controversy surrounding the photoshoot, Cunningham’s celebration of Missouri’s win underscores her pride in her alma mater and her ability to generate buzz on social media.

Whether garnering admiration or facing criticism, Cunningham continues to command attention both on and off the basketball court.

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