Sophie Cunningham Declines $200 Million Offer from Tim Cook for Pro-LGBT Ad Campaign
In a surprising turn of events, Apple CEO Tim Cook, a prominent figure in the LGBT community, reportedly offered WNBA star Sophie Cunningham $200 million, alongside full sponsorship of the Indiana Fever’s 2025 season games, to star in a perpetual pro-LGBT advertisement campaign. The offer, which aimed to make Cunningham the face of a long-term inclusivity initiative, was met with a concise five-word response from the Indiana Fever guard, sparking widespread curiosity and debate. While Cunningham’s exact words remain undisclosed, the rejection has ignited discussions about the intersection of sports, personal values, and corporate influence.
Sources trending on X indicate that Cook’s proposal was part of a strategic effort to amplify diversity and inclusion in women’s basketball, a sport that has increasingly embraced social advocacy. The $200 million deal, paired with sponsorship of the Fever’s 2025 games, sought to position Cunningham—a rising star known for her tenacity and charisma—as a leading voice in promoting LGBT acceptance. Cook, one of the most visible openly gay CEOs, likely viewed Cunningham’s appeal and growing fanbase as ideal for reaching younger audiences and fostering a more inclusive sports culture.
Sophie Cunningham, the 28-year-old guard drafted ninth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 before joining the Indiana Fever, has become a fan favorite for her gritty play and vibrant personality. In the 2024 season, she averaged 8.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, solidifying her role as a key contributor. Her off-court presence, marked by bold fashion choices and an active social media following, made her a prime candidate for Cook’s ambitious campaign. Yet, Cunningham’s five-word response—rumored to be a polite but resolute refusal—has left observers speculating about her motivations.
Though the precise wording of Cunningham’s reply remains unverified, posts on X suggest it may have been something like “I’m here to play basketball.” Others speculate it could reflect a desire to maintain neutrality on cultural issues or focus solely on her athletic career. The ambiguity has fueled a polarized response, with some praising Cunningham for standing by her principles and others questioning whether she missed a chance to champion a meaningful cause. The lack of clarity has only amplified the story’s viral reach, trending heavily across social platforms.
Supporters of Cook’s initiative argue that the offer was a groundbreaking opportunity to advance inclusivity in the WNBA, a league known for its progressive stance on social issues. They see Cunningham’s potential involvement as a way to further normalize LGBT acceptance among fans and players alike. Critics, however, raise concerns about the ethics of using substantial financial incentives to secure endorsements, suggesting it could pressure athletes into aligning with causes for monetary gain rather than genuine conviction.
Cunningham’s decision to decline has sparked a broader conversation about the role of athletes in cultural campaigns. Some fans commend her for prioritizing her independence, while others view the rejection as a step back from leveraging her platform for positive impact. The Indiana Fever organization has not commented, leaving Cunningham to navigate the public’s reaction. As the 2025 WNBA season nears, the focus will likely shift to how this moment shapes her career and public image.
The incident underscores the growing tension between corporate influence, personal beliefs, and the evolving role of athletes as cultural figures. Cunningham’s enigmatic five-word response, whatever it was, has become a lightning rod for debate, highlighting the complexities of identity and advocacy in modern sports.
