The WNBA’s player union is reportedly refusing to monetize Sophie Cunningham’s viral point meme because it believes it is ‘derogatory’.
The glamorous Indiana Fever superstar set the internet ablaze last month when she was seen pointing dramatically at Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner on the court, with fans left highly amused by her antics.
Yet despite the meme becoming one of the most famous images on social media in recent weeks, the WNBPA is stopping its licensed business partners from using it.
According to sports business reporter Darren Rovell, the union called Cunningham’s sarcastic point at Bonner ‘derogatory’ when justifying its stance.
The WNBPA is partnered with the likes of 2K, Lids, Breaking T, Panini and many others.
Cunningham can still cash in on the incident herself, however, as players are free to individually sign sponsorship deals with any brand – even if they are partnered with the union.
The WNBA’s player union is reportedly refusing to monetize Sophie Cunningham’s viral meme
The WNBPA considers her pointing gesture ‘derogatory’ as she was mocking another player
The union’s group licensing agreement with its players allows brands to license their name, image and likeness without having to negotiate directly with the athletes.
Yet if it does not approve a deal, players can still sign them on their own, meaning Cunningham can monetize her point meme so long as she is not wearing Fever gear in any of the imagery.
It is currently unclear whether she is in negotiations with any brands to do so in the near future.
Cunningham’s hilarious gesture gained so much traction that the White House even jumped on the bandwagon earlier this month.
The official White House X account shared a video which showed the WNBA player explaining her technical foul for pointing at Bonner and reenacting the point, before it cut to Trump pointing at a camera and giving a thumbs-up.
When asked for her thoughts on the president’s administration getting involved, Cunningham said she ‘didn’t really think twice’ about it.
‘I think everyone around the world is posting it,’ Cunningham told reporters. ‘Every company has done it. They’re just the one to also get on board, and so I didn’t really think twice about it. I think they’re just another group who is posting about it.’
