Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has launched a new podcast titled "No Hesitation," featuring basketball trainer Drew Hanlen as her co-host. This move follows the discontinuation of her previous podcast, "Show Me Something," which she hosted with West Wilson. The change in podcasting partnerships comes after Wilson publicly expressed views on transgender athletes in women's sports that differed from Cunningham's.
Wilson described the issue of transgender participation in sports as "borderline non-existent" and suggested that concerns were disproportionately amplified. Cunningham, however, has maintained her position that women's sports should be reserved for biological females, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights, safety, and opportunities of biological women and children involved in sports.
In the debut episode of "No Hesitation," Cunningham and Hanlen did not directly address the dispute with Wilson. Instead, Cunningham framed the new podcast as a platform for "real, honest truth about basketball and strictly basketball." Hanlen commented on the public's perception of Cunningham, suggesting that her statements are often taken out of context and blown out of proportion.
Cunningham also shared her perspective on media coverage within the WNBA, suggesting that attention and award voting are sometimes influenced by popularity and politics rather than on-court performance. She argued that many talented players do not receive adequate recognition due to a lack of popularity or platform, and questioned the accuracy of some voting processes. Cunningham called for WNBA media to focus more on the players and their achievements, highlighting the league's current level of play.
The conversation also touched upon the impact of Caitlin Clark on the league, with Hanlen comparing her influence to that of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Cunningham acknowledged Clark's significant effect, while also noting that the league's growth is a result of the talent that has always been present, now amplified by a larger platform and increased corporate interest.
Looking ahead, Cunningham outlined priorities for the WNBA's next commissioner, who will succeed Cathy Engelbert at the end of 2026. Cunningham stressed the need for adequate practice facilities for all franchises, citing instances where teams practice in facilities like YMCAs, sometimes sharing courts with youth groups. She also called for a commissioner who can communicate directly with players, remain steadfast under pressure, and unite a potentially divided league.
"No Hesitation" is scheduled to release new episodes weekly on Thursdays, focusing on basketball strategy, film study, and player personalities.