Atlanta Dream clarify stance on Sophie Cunningham shirt controversy
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 4:22 AM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The Atlanta Dream addressed the uproar following claims that State Farm Arena security forced fans to cover shirts supporting Sophie Cunningham. During the August 18 game against the Indiana Fever, a mother and daughter, who spent $1,000 on tickets, alleged they were asked to conceal their pro-Cunningham shirts. The Dream stated that their personnel were not involved in the security's decisions. The incident has drawn mixed reactions across the WNBA community, with some supporting security's actions while others criticize them as discriminatory. The Dream emphasized their commitment to a safe and inclusive environment as they deal with the ongoing feedback surrounding the event.
- •Dream reject involvement in security's actions at State Farm Arena
- •Mother and daughter claim they were forced to cover pro-Cunningham shirts
- •Mixed reactions from WNBA community regarding security's decision
- •Dream promises commitment to inclusivity amid backlash
- •Similar incidents question the consistency of policies for fan attire
- 4:22 AMYahoo Sports — ‘100% Going to Happen Again’ — Sophie Cunningham’s Fans Have No Faith in WNBA’s Neutrality After Latest Controversy in Fever-Dream
- 3:28 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Weak and Dishonest’ — WNBA World Reacts As Dream Break Silence on Forcing Sophie Cunningham Fans to Cover Polarizing Shirts
"The Indiana Fever-Atlanta Dream showdown on Sunday was overshadowed by claims that State Farm Arena security forced Sophie Cunningham supporters to cover their shirts. A mother and daughter, who reportedly paid $1,000 each for their tickets, attended the game to cheer for the Fever guard and support her stance on transgender athletes competing against women.
"Two Sophie Cunningham fans were asked Sunday to cover shirts supporting the Indiana Fever guard and her stance on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. According to the fans, they were given a choice: comply or leave State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 4:22 AM‘100% Going to Happen Again’ — Sophie Cunningham’s Fans Have No Faith in WNBA’s Neutrality After Latest Controversy in Fever-Dream
Two Sophie Cunningham fans were asked Sunday to cover shirts supporting the Indiana Fever guard and her stance on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. According to the fans, they were given a choice: comply or leave State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 3:28 AM‘Weak and Dishonest’ — WNBA World Reacts As Dream Break Silence on Forcing Sophie Cunningham Fans to Cover Polarizing Shirts
The Indiana Fever-Atlanta Dream showdown on Sunday was overshadowed by claims that State Farm Arena security forced Sophie Cunningham supporters to cover their shirts. A mother and daughter, who reportedly paid $1,000 each for their tickets, attended the game to cheer for the Fever guard and support her stance on transgender athletes competing against women.
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