Sophie Cunningham drops controversial reality star from podcast amid rebrand

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has dropped her former co-host and rebranded with a new podcast.

The 30-year-old Indiana Fever player has been at the centre of the basketball league’s debate on trans athletes participating in women’s sports. Things sparked when Cunningham said that banning trans women from women’s sport was “common sense”.

After both backlash and support for her comments, Cunningham announced a new show, No Hesitation, with cohost Drew Hanlen, a celebrity basketball trainer. 

“Sophie Cunningham is BACK with world renowned basketball trainer Drew Hanlen. New episodes dropping every Thursday, with Episode 1 dropping later today. This is No Hesitation,” the show announced.

The show is described as “unfiltered and real takes that bring you the stories that don’t leave the gym.”

The first episode opens with Cunningham declaring she “should” be the WNBA commissioner as she’d “get this s*** on the right track.”

Previously, Cunningham co-hosted Show Me Something with West Wilson, her best friend from high school who has gone on to be a reality TV star.

Many online are now speculating about what ended Show Me Something, which has been on pause since July 1. 

Sources told Front Office Sports that the contract for Cunningham’s original podcast, Show Me Something, had expired.

Others, however, have noted the timing of the podcast’s pause and Cunningham making her opposition to trans athletes in the league public. 

Wilson made a TikTok in late July where he seemingly called out Cunningham and defended transgender athletes.

He labelled the topic of trans people in sports a “borderline nonexistent issue.”

Wilson continued: “Right-wingers have convinced a massive portion of people in our country that these people are, like, a threat to sports in America, when mathematically it’s not the case at all.”

However, Wilson was also showered in controversy when appearing on Bravo’s Summer House. He was caught in a scandal with Amanda Batula, who was married to their co-star Kyle Cook. Wilson and Batula have since left the show, and appear to be continuing their relationship.

Now moving forward with a podcast rebrand, many are sure to tune into Cunningham’s podcast, as the athlete has been vocal in the past few months with her thoughts.

Currently and historically, no out trans player has played in the league. The WNBA’s policy states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA”. The rule has no explicit language referencing gender identity or sex assigned at birth. 

Cunningham recently remarked that the reaction to her comments has been positive, as it’s bringing more fans to the game.

Her statements also prompted responses from high-profile figures. JD Vance voiced his support for Cunningham, and Caitlyn Jenner also weighed in on the controversy. When asked about the topic, Jenner criticised commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

WNBA commissioner Engelbert has been sparing with her comments. However, she recently denounced people trying to “sow divisiveness” over the league’s handling of the situation. Engelbert announced this year will be her last, her retirement ending a seven-year tenure.

Previously, she called out “bad faith” efforts of two ex-NBA players who declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft. The draft isn’t until next April.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.