Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham clapped back at Skip Bayless after he labeled her a “clout chaser,” accusing him of using her name for clicks, a fiery response that went viral, won fan support, and highlighted growing tensions between WNBA players and provocative sports media figures.

The battle between athletes and sports commentators is nothing new, but this week it took on fresh fire after Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham directly called out veteran broadcaster Skip Bayless over remarks he made labeling her a “clout chaser.”

The exchange, which has since exploded across social media, highlights the increasingly public clashes between players and pundits in the era of digital hot takes and viral soundbites.

Cunningham, known for her competitiveness on the court and her unapologetically bold personality, did not hold back when responding to Bayless.

Speaking candidly during a livestream with fans earlier this week, she made it clear she was unimpressed with the sports media figure’s attempt to drag her name into headlines.

“Dude, Skip, who’s the clout chaser? You’re literally using my name as your headline so people can click on it,” Cunningham said, shaking her head in disbelief.

“And, like, my thing is, I don’t mind the guy.

I don’t mind the guy.

I have no beef with you.

I’ve never met you, I’ve actually really never listened to you.

I’m just kind of in my lane and someone sent it to me, and I was like, ‘What is this?’ He’s calling me a clout chaser, dude, you’re the one who has my name plastered all over your YouTube that had 36 views, like get out of here.”

The comment quickly went viral, with clips circulating across Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Instagram, generating tens of thousands of reactions.

Fans praised Cunningham for standing her ground against Bayless, who has built his career on provocative sports commentary that often ruffles feathers.

Some described her clapback as “the best roast of Skip all year,” while others suggested that it reflects a growing frustration among athletes who feel unfairly targeted for online content.

Bayless, 72, has long been a polarizing figure in sports media.

From his years on ESPN’s First Take alongside Stephen A.

Smith to his current platform on Fox Sports and YouTube, he has cultivated a reputation as both a sharp critic and a professional provocateur.

His takes on LeBron James, the Dallas Cowboys, and countless other athletes have frequently sparked national debates.

For some fans, his willingness to stir controversy makes him entertaining; for others, it exemplifies the problem with modern sports media’s emphasis on hot takes over substance.

Cunningham, 28, has steadily become one of the WNBA’s rising personalities since joining the league.

After stints with the Phoenix Mercury, she signed with the Indiana Fever in 2024, bringing veteran toughness and three-point shooting to a young roster headlined by rookie phenom Caitlin Clark.

Known for her fiery on-court demeanor, Cunningham has often been labeled as one of the WNBA’s “villains”—a title she has embraced, frequently reminding fans and critics alike that she plays with passion and confidence.

This latest dust-up with Bayless, however, pushed her into a different kind of spotlight.

Many WNBA fans noted the irony of Bayless calling Cunningham a “clout chaser” while using her name to generate clicks.

Others argued that this was emblematic of a broader issue: mainstream commentators underestimating or dismissing the WNBA while still profiting from its growing popularity.

“It’s the same story every time,” one fan tweeted.

“The league finally gets mainstream attention, and guys like Skip Bayless jump in, not to uplift the sport, but to stir drama.

Sophie wasn’t chasing clout—Skip was.”

Cunningham herself seemed less concerned about the insult than about the principle of being misrepresented.

Her calm but pointed tone suggested she wasn’t looking to start a feud but rather to set the record straight.

“I’m just kind of in my lane,” she repeated, emphasizing that her focus remains on basketball, not media theatrics.

As of Wednesday evening, Bayless had not issued a direct response to Cunningham’s remarks, though his social media activity indicated he was aware of the backlash.

Several of his followers encouraged him to “clap back,” while others warned that Cunningham had already won the exchange by exposing his strategy for attention.

The incident comes at a pivotal moment for the WNBA.

With viewership and attendance hitting record highs in 2024 and early 2025, the league has enjoyed unprecedented attention, driven by stars like Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson.

But that visibility has also brought heightened scrutiny, with pundits like Bayless seizing opportunities to comment on storylines both on and off the court.

For Cunningham, the viral moment may prove to be more of an opportunity than a setback.

Fans rallied behind her with a wave of support, sharing highlights of her play and praising her outspoken authenticity.

“This is why people love Sophie,” one Fever supporter wrote.

“She doesn’t fake it, she doesn’t back down, and she’ll call out anyone—even Skip Bayless.”

Whether the feud escalates further or fizzles out, the exchange has already underscored a deeper truth about the evolving relationship between athletes and media.

In an era where social media platforms give players a direct voice to their fans, they are no longer dependent on commentators to shape their image—and as Cunningham just proved, they’re more than capable of defending themselves when the spotlight turns negative.

For now, the ball is in Bayless’s court.

But if his silence holds, it may be Sophie Cunningham who walks away with the last word—and the louder applause.