The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is preventing business partners from utilizing a widely recognized image of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham pointing at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner. The union has reportedly labeled the image as “derogatory,” leading to its prohibition for licensed brands.
Licensed brands with the WNBPA include major companies such as 2K, Breaking T, Lids, and Panini. These brands typically leverage group licensing agreements that allow them to use players' names, images, and likenesses without direct negotiation with individual athletes. However, if the union does not approve a specific use, players retain the ability to pursue independent sponsorship deals.
While the WNBPA has restricted its business partners, Cunningham herself can still monetize the incident. Players are permitted to sign individual sponsorship deals, separate from the union's agreements. It remains unclear whether Cunningham has entered or plans to enter into any personal brand collaborations related to the viral image.
The incident captured in the meme occurred on June 24 during a game between the Mercury and the Fever. The confrontation followed a dispute involving Bonner and Caitlin Clark. Cunningham and Bonner were briefly teammates on the Fever last season before Bonner's return to the Mercury in July 2025.
Cunningham has openly acknowledged the moment, even appearing as a guest ring girl at UFC 309. The image has also been widely recreated on social media by celebrities and fellow athletes, and was even referenced in a White House video in late June.
The Indiana Fever are currently in sixth place in the WNBA standings with a 16-10 record, following a recent victory over the New York Liberty.