Sophie Cunningham Declines $200 Million Offer from Tim Cook for Pro-LGBT Ad Campaign

In a shocking development that’s sending ripples through both the sports and corporate worlds, tech titan and outspoken LGBT advocate Tim Cook has allegedly made a $200 million offer to WNBA star Sophie Cunningham condition attached. but with a bold

According to sources close to the matter, Cook the CEO of Apple and a leading voice in corporate diversity and LGBT rights approached Cunningham with an unprecedented deal: a personal endorsement worth $200 million, combined with full-season sponsorship of Indiana Fever home games in 2025. In exchange, Cunningham would be required to star in and publicly commit to a lifetime of “openly pro-LGBT advertising and advocacy.”

While such an offer would be hard to refuse for nearly any athlete, Cunningham’s response reportedly delivered directly, privately, and later leaked to social media – stunned everyone:

“I won’t sell my soul.”

The five-word reply instantly went viral, sparking widespread debate across sports, political, and cultural communities.

What Was the Real Offer?
Insiders say the deal included:
A $200 million endorsement package from a Cook-backed initiative

An exclusive ad campaign placing Cunningham as the face of pro-LGBT messaging in sports

Naming rights on Indiana Fever’s home arena in collaboration with Apple or a Cook-affiliated foundation

A long-term role in social justice advocacy tied directly to Cunningham’s brand image

The deal was said to be “visionary” – positioning Cunningham as a transformative symbol of unity in women’s sports. But the condition of permanent, unwavering pro-LGBT representation became a point of contention.


Sophie’s Silence… Then Her Statement

For hours following the report, Cunningham stayed silent on all platforms – fueling rumors and speculation. Would she clarify? Deny it? Accept it?

Then, late Tuesday night, she posted a single image on Instagram: a plain black screen with the same five words:

“I won’t sell my soul.”

No caption. No tags. No comment.

Within minutes, the post had over 500,000 likes and sparked a firestorm of commentary. Supporters praised her for standing by her beliefs. Critics accused her of rejecting inclusivity. Some asked if the post even referred to the Cook deal -though insiders confirmed the quote matched what she said in private.

Reactions: Applause, Outrage, and Everything In Between

Supporters cheered Cunningham’s decision, calling it a stand for “personal integrity” and “the right to stay true to your values – no matter the money.”


“$200 million can’t buy conviction” one fan wrote.

Another posted “Sophie’s got the courage that most people wouldn’t have for $2 million, let alone $200

But the backlash was fierce as well. LGBT advocacy groups expressed disappointment, with some accusing Cunningham of refusing to use her platform for equality
One popular activist tweeted:

“This wasn’t about selling your soul. It was about standing up for people who need voices like yours”

Some WNBA fans also questioned whether this moment will deepen divisions within the league, especially given the already-polarized reactions to Caitlin Clark’s media rise. Sophie’s recent ejection for defending Clark, and the wider dialogue about race, sexuality, and identity in women’s sports.

A League at a Moral Crossroads

This development puts the WNBA in an incredibly complex position. The league has long been a proud supporter of LGBT inclusion and diversity, and many of its most beloved athletes are openly queer. At the same time, freedom of expression and belief-religious or otherwise is also part of the league’s values.


With Cunningham already making headlines this month for her fierce defense of Caitlin Clark and her viral TikTok post (“Protect 22”), she’s become an unexpected culture war lightning rod in the WNBA- and perhaps, a symbol of a growing split within the league between corporate influence and individual conviction.

What’s Next?

Tim Cook has not made a public statement, though Apple insiders suggest the offer was sincere and well-intentioned. The company has long supported LGBT causes and may now be re-evaluating how it engages with high-profile athletes who hold more nuanced or traditional views.

As for Cunningham, her camp says she’s “focused solely on basketball, not politics. But with this latest twist, it’s clear that the world won’t let the game stay just a game.