The Rise of a Viral Image in Sports
Recently, an image of Sophie Cunningham pointing at Dewanna Bonner has emerged as a notable snapshot in the world of sports. Yet, the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has taken a step to prevent its business partners from using this particular image.
On Monday, sports business reporter Darren Lovell revealed that the WNBPA is banning the use of the pointing gesture by its licensed associates, labeling it as “derogatory.”
This cooperative’s licensed brands include familiar names like 2K, Breaking T, Lids, and Panini, among others.
Interestingly, despite the union’s restrictions, Cunningham still has the opportunity to profit from the incident. This is because players can enter into individual sponsorship deals with brands, even those tied to the union.
The association maintains a group licensing agreement covering all WNBA players. This allows brands to use players’ names, images, and likenesses without needing to negotiate with each player directly. However, if the WNBPA doesn’t approve a specific deal, players have the option to pursue their own branding agreements separately.
As of now, there’s no indication whether Cunningham is actively seeking partnerships based on her viral moment, apart from what the union has acknowledged.
The WNBPA did not respond promptly to inquiries for comments.
This incident unfolded on June 24 during a scuffle between Bonner and Caitlin Clark in a game featuring the Mercury and the Fever. Notably, Cunningham and Bonner were briefly teammates with the Fever before Bonner returned to Phoenix last July.
Cunningham has not shied away from embracing the moment, recently appearing as a special guest at UFC 329, among other engagements.
The image has caught the attention of many, with various celebrities and sports figures recreating it on social media. Even the White House got in on the action, sharing a video that referenced the moment in late June.
Currently, the Fever are on a high note, having beaten the Liberty recently and holding a record of 16-10, putting them sixth in the WNBA standings.
