Sophie Cunningham Says She Is Proudly American Amid Growing WNBA Anthem Debate

Indiana Fever basketball star Sophie Cunningham has spoken out about her pride in being an American citizen and her continued support for military veterans and active-duty service members. Her comments have attracted widespread attention as a national anthem controversy involving the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries continues to generate debate across the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Cunningham shared her views during an appearance on American comedian and podcast host Theo Von's popular program, This Past Weekend. The interview was published in late October 2026, when the national anthem issue became a major talking point during the WNBA Finals.
During the conversation, Cunningham made it clear that she personally values her American identity and appreciates the sacrifices made by members of the country's armed forces.
"I take a lot of pride in where I come from, and I'm proud to be an American citizen," Cunningham said.
She explained that members of her family have served in the military. According to her, those who serve the country make significant sacrifices, allowing ordinary Americans to enjoy their everyday lives and the freedoms they have.
Cunningham said she feels grateful to military personnel who serve the United States, particularly those who are currently carrying out duties that place them in difficult and dangerous situations.
She added that whenever she has an opportunity to recognize veterans and active-duty service members, she wants to show her appreciation and support.
The basketball player also made an important distinction between her personal beliefs and the opinions of other athletes. She acknowledged that not everyone in the league necessarily shares her position and said people are entitled to have different perspectives.
Her comments were not a direct accusation against either of the two teams involved in the controversy. Instead, she focused on explaining her own values and why she believes recognizing military service members is important.
Cunningham also discussed the growing attention surrounding the national anthem issue. She pointed out that players leaving the basketball court before the national anthem is performed is not something that suddenly started during the championship series.
"This has been happening throughout the whole season," she said, adding that people are only becoming increasingly upset about the practice now that it has attracted national attention.
Her remarks came as the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries faced criticism for leaving the court before the performance of the American national anthem during the 2026 WNBA Finals.
The two teams competed for the league championship, and their pregame routine became a subject of discussion among basketball fans, commentators and political figures.
Before the anthem was performed, players from both teams left the playing area and returned after the performance ended. The practice attracted attention because the Finals are among the most widely watched events on the WNBA calendar.
Some viewers questioned why players were not remaining on the court during the national anthem. Others defended the teams, arguing that leaving the court before the performance does not necessarily mean that players oppose the country or disrespect its military.
According to reporting by The Associated Press, leaving the court before the anthem has been common practice among several WNBA teams for years. Teams have sometimes used that time to prepare for the game or draw attention to social justice issues.
The practice is therefore not exclusive to the Atlanta Dream or the Golden State Valkyries.
The WNBA's national anthem policy has also contributed to the debate. Although the league's rulebook contains language stating that players, coaches and trainers should stand in a dignified posture along the sidelines or near the foul line during the national anthem, the league suspended its anthem protocols in 2017.
The decision followed protests and discussions about social justice issues after a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The league sent a memo to teams explaining that players and coaches did not have to follow the anthem protocols. The decision gave teams greater flexibility in deciding how to approach the pregame ceremony.
In 2020, the issue received renewed attention when WNBA players left the court during the season played in a Florida bubble because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That season was also dedicated to Breonna Taylor, whose death had become a major focus of national discussions about racial justice and police accountability.
Since then, leaving the court before the anthem has remained part of the pregame routines of several teams.
The Associated Press reported on October 20 that the Golden State Valkyries have followed their locker-room routine since joining the WNBA, while the Atlanta Dream have also been leaving the court before the anthem for several years. Indiana and Minnesota were among the teams that remained on the floor during some regular-season games.
The controversy has also attracted attention from prominent political figures. President Donald Trump criticized the teams for leaving the court before the national anthem and suggested that basketball fans should stop watching the league.
Other political commentators and public figures also expressed their opinions, turning a pregame routine into a broader national discussion about patriotism, sports and individual freedom.
Cunningham's position has received particular attention because she has consistently been outspoken about her personal beliefs. Her appearance on Theo Von's podcast provided an opportunity to explain why she considers showing respect for veterans and military personnel an important part of her identity.
During the interview, she also expressed a desire for greater unity among players. She recognized that professional athletes come from different backgrounds and hold different opinions about political and social issues.
However, she suggested that disagreements should not prevent people from respecting one another.
Cunningham also made a brief appeal for people to behave respectfully during the national anthem. She described the moment as a short period when people could show consideration for one another, saying she wanted about 20 seconds of everyone's best behavior.
Her comments were not framed as a demand that every WNBA player adopt the same personal beliefs. Rather, she emphasized that she wanted to express her own appreciation for the people who serve the country.
The discussion has highlighted a broader question about the relationship between professional sports and national identity. For some fans, the national anthem is an important part of sporting events and an opportunity to recognize the country and its military personnel. Others believe athletes and teams should have the freedom to follow their own pregame traditions.
Both perspectives have contributed to the ongoing debate.
For the WNBA, the controversy comes at a time when the league is receiving growing national attention. The competition has attracted a wider audience, while players have become increasingly visible in discussions extending beyond basketball.
Cunningham, meanwhile, has continued to attract attention both for her performances and her public comments.
The 30-year-old guard plays for the Indiana Fever and has been part of the WNBA since 2019. She entered the league after playing college basketball at the University of Missouri, where she established herself as one of the program's leading players.
She was selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft and spent the early years of her professional career with the Arizona-based team before joining Indiana.
In April 2026, the Fever announced that Cunningham would return for another season under a one-year contract. Her experience, outside shooting and energy have made her an important part of the team's rotation.
Her comments about the national anthem have now placed her in the middle of a debate that extends beyond the basketball court.
The central message of her interview, however, was straightforward: Cunningham is proud of her American citizenship, appreciates the sacrifices made by military personnel and intends to continue showing support for veterans and those currently serving.
At the same time, she recognizes that other athletes may have different opinions.
As the WNBA continues to attract attention from sports fans and the wider public, the discussion surrounding the national anthem is likely to remain a subject of debate about patriotism, personal expression and the role of professional athletes in American society.