Sophie Cunningham’s viral finger-pointing moment toward DeWanna Bonner has become one of the most talked-about images in sports, but the WNBPA is reportedly preventing its business partners from using it.
According to sports business reporter Darren Rovell, the players’ union has classified the image as “derogatory” and instructed its licensed partners not to feature it.
Companies covered by the union’s licensing agreements include 2K, Breaking T, Lids and Panini.
The decision does not prevent Cunningham from profiting from the moment herself.
Because WNBA players are free to negotiate their own endorsement deals, she can still partner directly with brands – including those that also work with the union – to use the image outside of the WNBPA’s group licensing program.
It remains unclear whether Cunningham has signed, or plans to sign, any agreements related to the viral photo.
The WNBPA has not publicly commented on the matter.
The moment occurred during the June 24 game between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury after tensions flared following an altercation involving Caitlin Clark and Bonner.
Cunningham and Bonner had briefly been teammates with the Fever before Bonner returned to Phoenix last July.
Since then, Cunningham has embraced the attention surrounding the image, even recreating the pose during her appearance as a guest ring girl at UFC 329.
The gesture has also been copied by numerous athletes, celebrities and even the White House on social media.
WNBA union has money problem with viral Sophie Cunningham meme https://t.co/3Cfd1WzHnU pic.twitter.com/BHEQsKZdRu
— New York Post (@nypost) July 20, 2026
