SerpApi.Org
Sophie Cunningham can profit from her viral pointing meme that even the White House has utilized - but the WNBA cannot claim any share of the revenue.
With just under eight minutes left in the fourth quarter of the Indiana Fever's 86-77 victory over the Phoenix Mercury last month, DeWanna Bonner became entangled with Caitlin Clark while jockeying for position in the paint. After officials stopped play, the star guard began emphatically clapping toward Phoenix's bench while expressing her displeasure with the decision.
Officials then handed Clark a technical foul for "instigating/taunting behavior during an escalating confrontation." But as referees attempted to control the situation, Cunningham intensified the heated exchange by pointing toward Bonner, who erupted in anger.
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The result was an internet meme. The footage of Cunningham pointing spread rapidly across social media, and the White House even tried to join the trend by pairing it with video of Donald Trump pointing at a camera, giving a thumbs-up, and smirking, reports the Mirror US.
Cunningham can generate royalties from this viral sensation. She has complete control over her own likeness, meaning the 29 year old can produce T-shirts or any other merchandise featuring her pointing gesture - provided they don't include the WNBA or WNBA Players Association logo.
However, the WNBA and WNBPA will be unable to capitalize on the opportunity. The WNBPA's policy prohibits the creation of any merchandise that depicts a confrontation between union members.
The WNBPA would also refuse to grant any outside entity the rights to use the likeness of such an event.
This means neither the league nor any WNBA licensees will profit from the moment, given that it involves a clash between Cunningham and Bonner.
There is precedent for this. Back in 2021, Kahleah Copper produced shirts featuring her staring down an opponent during the WNBA Finals.
Notably, Copper was staring down Cunningham, which meant the guard could profit while the WNBA could not.
It remains to be seen what Cunningham will do next with the pointing clip.
During her appearance on 'FIFA World Cup on Fox After Hours with James Corden,' Corden asked her what she's thinking of doing next with it, and Cunningham said: "I didn't even give that thought."
Cunningham commands a significant social media presence, boasting 1.5 million Instagram followers. She co-hosts the 'Show Me Something' podcast with Bravo personality West Wilson, serves as a guest analyst on USA Network WNBA broadcasts, and has landed endorsement deals with major brands including Adidas, Quest Nutrition, and SHARx.
She also made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue this past spring.
