Adidas has officially terminated its partnership with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham and cancelled the planned release of her signature Crazy Energy sneakers, citing “too much controversy and trans remarks.”
The decision comes just days before the shoes were scheduled to drop. Cunningham, known for her outspoken personality both on and off the court, recently made comments that quickly went viral. In a series of interviews and social media posts, she shared strong opinions on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Her remarks sparked intense backlash from activists, while drawing support from others who agreed with her stance.
Adidas, which had heavily promoted the upcoming “Sophie Cunningham” player exclusive, moved swiftly. In a brief statement released Thursday, the brand said it was “deeply disappointed” by the comments and that the partnership “no longer aligns with our values of inclusion and respect.” The company confirmed the Crazy Energy PE would not be released, and all marketing materials featuring Cunningham in the pink-and-orange colorway have been pulled.
Cunningham has not issued a formal apology. In a short post on X, she wrote: “I stand by what I said. Women’s sports should be for women. Adidas can do what they want.” The post has already racked up tens of thousands of likes and quote tweets, further fueling the online firestorm.
This is not the first time a major sneaker brand has distanced itself from an athlete over social issues. The move leaves Cunningham without a signature shoe deal at a time when several WNBA players are securing high-profile partnerships. Industry insiders say the cancellation could cost both sides significant revenue, as the limited-edition release was expected to sell out quickly among basketball fans.
As of now, Adidas has not named a replacement athlete for the Crazy Energy line. Cunningham remains under contract with the Indiana Fever and continues to play, but her off-court brand opportunities appear to have taken a major hit.
The controversy continues to divide fans, with some praising Adidas for taking a stand and others accusing the brand of canceling a player for expressing an opinion.
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