Sophie Cunningham’s controversial pointing gesture has been one of the most viral visuals to come out of the WNBA, but don’t expect it to be on any T-shirts or cups any time soon.
Cunningham pointed at DeWanna Bonner during a heated altercation when the Indiana Fever played the Phoenix Mercury, and the image quickly circulated across the internet.
The point has now become a viral gesture, but the WNBA players’ union (WNBPA) is blocking brands and partners from using the image for brand products.
WNBPA not allowing brands to license Sophie Cunningham pointing image
A recent report from Darren Rovell claimed that the WNBPA is not allowing potential licensees to use the image of Sophie Cunningham’s ‘derogatory’ point.
According to Front Office Sports, who reached out to the WNBA for a comment, this reporting is accurate, as the league issued the following statement.
“For licensed apparel, we generally do not feature or look to monetize player conduct from a confrontation between our members.”
There has been a lot of talk about Cunningham’s decision being considered disrespectful, and has led to a lot of talk about the controversial antics of the Fever’s resident disruptor.
However, while the WNBPA might be blocking the use of Cunningham’s point, the player herself doesn’t face any such issues.
Sophie Cunningham free to use pointing gesture as part of her NIL deals
While the WNBPA has stopped potential licensees from using the viral moment for marketing and product endorsement, they cannot stop Cunningham from doing the same.
Cunningham is free to use her own likeness, and by extension, any image of her pointing at Bonner, for any endorsement deals she looks to make.
The WNBPA said, “Players are, of course, free to create and/or license their own product,” when asked about the matter, while WNBA league officials refrained from commenting.
Don’t be too surprised if Sophie Cunningham capitalizes on her viral moment by putting out a line of products built around her viral point.
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