Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has shared her views on WNBA teams leaving the court during the national anthem, emphasizing her personal support for American military personnel and veterans.
During an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, Cunningham addressed the decision by the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries to remain off the court during the national anthem at the 2026 WNBA Finals.
The practice has attracted considerable attention during the championship series, although Cunningham pointed out that it had been happening throughout the regular season.
Rather than directly criticizing the teams involved, Cunningham explained why she personally chooses to show support during the anthem.
“This has been happening throughout the whole season. This isn’t like anything new, people are getting mad about it now but it’s happened the whole season. I don’t know. I just feel like personally I have a lot – I am grateful and I support the people who serve,” Cunningham said during a sit-down interview with podcaster Theo Von.
“We have family members who have served and they’re over there doing that are unimaginable for us to out here living our dreams and having the freedoms that we live. Anytime that I can shout out our veterans and the people who are currently fighting for us to live in the best country, I’m going to show that support, I’m going to give them love.
“That’s where I stand. That doesn’t mean that’s where everyone stands and if it’s right, wrong, whatever. I take a lot of pride in where I come from and I’m proud to be an American citizen.”
