Story perspectives

WNBA Players Union Bars Partners From Using Cunningham Meme

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association prohibited its licensed partners from using Sophie Cunningham’s viral finger-point at DeWanna Bonner, labeling the image derogatory.
The ban applies to group-licensing partners such as 2K and Panini, yet Cunningham can still profit by licensing the moment herself.
The June 22, 2026 finger-point during a Fever-Mercury 86-77 win sparked a meme that reached the White House’s X account, UFC 329, late-night shows and youth-camp photos by July 19, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA, formed in 1906 to enforce amateurism, barred athletes from earning from their image. After the 2014 O'Bannon case and the 2021 Alston decision, Senator Nancy Skinner’s Fair Pay to Play Act—signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and effective September 1 2021—granted college athletes NIL rights. The shift underpins a projected $1.5 billion nationally NIL market by 2025.

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Story summary

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association prohibited its licensed partners from using Sophie Cunningham’s viral finger-point at DeWanna Bonner, labeling the image derogatory.
The ban applies to group-licensing partners such as 2K and Panini, yet Cunningham can still profit by licensing the moment herself.
The June 22, 2026 finger-point during a Fever-Mercury 86-77 win sparked a meme that reached the White House’s X account, UFC 329, late-night shows and youth-camp photos by July 19, 2026.

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