Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Stuns Sophie Cunningham With Explosive Professional Offer That Could Reshape Her Future in Sports and Entertainment

In a move that has taken the sports world by surprise, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has reportedly extended a bold and unexpected professional offer to Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham — one that could launch the rising WNBA star into an entirely new realm of opportunity, both on and off the court.

The reported offer, described by insiders as “explosive” and “unprecedented,” has sent shockwaves across the basketball world and sparked a media frenzy that touches everything from sports and celebrity to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.

At the center of this unexpected twist? A growing connection between the WNBA’s most unapologetically bold voice and one of the NBA’s most powerful women.

A Crossroads in Cunningham’s Career

Sophie Cunningham, a known firebrand and fan favorite in the WNBA, has always walked the line between athlete and media personality. Her outspoken takes, viral moments, and infectious energy have made her a go-to quote for reporters and a lightning rod for debate on social media.

And while her on-court performances have kept the Phoenix Mercury in the playoff conversation, it’s her recent off-court ventures — including a headline-making podcast appearance and a now-viral response to being elbowed during a game — that have elevated her public profile to an entirely new level.

Enter Jeanie Buss.

According to sources close to both parties, Buss has been “quietly monitoring” Cunningham’s growing influence for months. But it was Cunningham’s unapologetic personality and her raw, unfiltered presence in the media that finally convinced the Lakers owner to take action.

Jeanie Buss and the Vision for Empowerment

Jeanie Buss is no stranger to bold moves. As the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, she has overseen the franchise through some of its most transformative moments in modern history — from the post-Kobe era rebuild to the 2020 championship bubble run led by LeBron James.

But Buss is also a longtime advocate for women in leadership, athlete branding, and cross-platform visibility in sports.

She co-founded Women of Wrestling (WOW), the all-female wrestling promotion that blends athleticism with entertainment. Her goal has always been clear: empower women to control their narratives, build their empires, and break barriers once reserved for male athletes.

In Sophie Cunningham, Buss sees a perfect fit.

The Offer: A Multi-Platform Opportunity

So, what exactly is on the table?

According to multiple verified reports, Buss has extended a multi-year deal to Cunningham that includes:

A major on-screen role in WOW, with full creative control over character development, branding, and storyline input.
A podcast and media partnership, allowing Cunningham to co-produce and host her own sports and culture show under Buss’s media banner.
Equity stake and brand ambassador status within WOW’s upcoming expansion phase, including merchandise, digital content, and appearances.

It’s not just an offer — it’s a blueprint for long-term visibility and financial independence beyond professional basketball.

And Buss made it personal.

“Sophie is the kind of voice women’s sports needs right now,” Buss said in a confidential media briefing. “She’s fearless, smart, funny, and real. The world is paying attention to her. And I think we’re just getting started.”

Sophie’s Reaction: Shock, Gratitude, and Consideration

While Cunningham has yet to officially accept or decline the offer, her response — both privately and publicly — suggests she’s taking it seriously.

Sources close to the Mercury guard say she was “stunned” when the proposal was first presented, reportedly asking, “Wait — Jeanie Buss? As in… Lakers Jeanie Buss?” Cunningham is said to be “extremely honored” and “interested,” but is still in conversations with her WNBA team, her agent, and her family.

In a recent podcast appearance, she spoke candidly — without naming names — about being offered “a career move I never saw coming.”

“I don’t know what the future holds,” she said. “But I do know I want to build something bigger than just my stats on the court.”

The Fans Are Weighing In

Unsurprisingly, social media has exploded with speculation and excitement over the news.

Some fans are thrilled by the idea of Cunningham stepping into a larger media role:

“Sophie Cunningham in WOW is everything I didn’t know I needed,” one fan tweeted.
“She’s got the attitude, the wit, and the charisma. Give her a mic and let her run.”

Others are more conflicted, concerned this might signal an early retirement or distraction from her WNBA career:

“I hope this isn’t the end of Sophie as a player. She’s too good, too young. But if anyone can do both — it’s her.”

The debate reflects something deeper: Cunningham has emerged as more than a basketball player. She’s a cultural figure — and figures like her always split opinion.

Jeanie Buss: Building a New Kind of Sports Empire

If Sophie Cunningham accepts, this will be the most high-profile crossover move for WOW since its inception.

But that’s exactly what Jeanie Buss wants.

In a 2023 interview with Forbes, Buss spoke about the future of women’s sports, saying,

“Visibility is power. And women athletes don’t need to wait for the mainstream to validate them — we can build our own.”

Her offer to Cunningham isn’t just about one person. It’s about reshaping how female athletes see their worth — as entertainers, entrepreneurs, and storytellers.

With rising WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson already moving into brand deals, TV spots, and media partnerships, Cunningham’s leap into Buss’s ecosystem may become a model for others.

What This Could Mean for the WNBA

It’s a delicate balancing act.

The WNBA has long fought for more media attention, stronger player compensation, and real investment. Cunningham joining WOW could be seen as a player reaching outside the league for what she can’t yet find inside it.

That raises tough questions.

Why aren’t athletes like Cunningham making this kind of money and impact within the WNBA itself? Why must they seek alternate platforms for recognition and financial growth?

But some see it differently. This might be exactly what the WNBA needs — its stars shining so brightly that they cross over, bringing new eyes back with them.

Sophie’s Next Chapter: TBD

Whether Sophie Cunningham accepts the offer or not, the message is loud and clear: she has options. Big ones.

She’s no longer just a basketball player. She’s a brand, a voice, a personality — and people with power are taking notice.

And Jeanie Buss, perhaps the most respected female executive in professional sports, has just made her one of the most fascinating stories in women’s athletics today.

Conclusion: More Than A Game

What started as a surprising career offer has become a potential turning point — not just for Sophie Cunningham, but for the future of women’s sports media.

Whether she stays strictly on the court or branches into a larger stage, one thing is clear:

Sophie Cunningham is playing by her own rules now.

And Jeanie Buss just made the game a whole lot more interesting.