Cheryl Reeve responds to Sophie Cunningham's controversial trans athlete comments
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 4:15 AM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve addressed the conversation surrounding Indiana Fever's Sophie Cunningham and her remarks on transgender athletes, asserting that 'everyone has a right to peacefully assemble.' Reeve emphasized the need to protect trans kids and frame the debate as a human rights issue. Cunningham's comments and subsequent support rallies have intensified discussions within the WNBA. Lynx and Fever are set to face off soon, with ongoing protests scheduled in Minneapolis.
- •Reeve advocates for inclusion and protection of trans kids.
- •Cunningham's statements have sparked major discussion in the league.
- •Protests supporting Cunningham occurred at a recent Fever game.
- •The Lynx and Fever are both aiming for playoff success.
- •Another rally is planned in Minneapolis ahead of their matchup.
- 4:15 AMYahoo Sports — “This is despicable” – WNBA Fans Explode As ESPN Gives Cheryl Reeve’s Trans Athlete Remarks Major Spotlight During Fever Game
- 11:48 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN broadcast addresses ‘incredibly thoughtful’ Cheryl Reeve comments on transgender athletes
- 7:33 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Incredibly thoughtful’: ESPN praises Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for saying ‘protect trans kids’
- 9:16 AMYahoo Sports — Cheryl Reeve: WNBA must be ‘safe space for everyone,’ regardless of viewpoint
- 4:58 AMYahoo Sports — ‘We Need to Protect Trans Kids’ — Cheryl Reeve Issues Stern Response Against Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Stance
"With another rally supporting Sophie Cunningham planned for the Indiana Fever’s visit to Minneapolis on Sunday, Cheryl Reeve defended the demonstrators’ right to assemble while also declaring the need to find common ground in the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. The Minnesota Lynx coach spoke extensively on the controversy now swirling around Cunningham, the Fever guard who recently said excluding transgender athletes from women’s sports is “common sense,” and stressed th
"During Sunday’s WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, the ESPN on ABC broadcast addressed recent comments made by Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve regarding transgender athletes. The broadcast also showed video of Reeve meeting with Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham on the court pregame about the topic, and noted Reeve wearing a”Trans Kids Belong”…
"Over the past several days, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has sparked a lot of conversation throughout the WNBA about whether or not transgender women belong in women’s sports. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was one of the voices who weighed in on the matter, and now she’s getting some praise from ESPN. During…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 4:15 AM“This is despicable” – WNBA Fans Explode As ESPN Gives Cheryl Reeve’s Trans Athlete Remarks Major Spotlight During Fever Game
During the Minnesota-Indiana matchup on Sunday, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt that expressed support for transgender athletes. On the ESPN broadcast, play-by-play commentator Ryan Ruocco acknowledged the message and context of Reeve’s shirt.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 11:48 PMESPN broadcast addresses ‘incredibly thoughtful’ Cheryl Reeve comments on transgender athletes
During Sunday’s WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx, the ESPN on ABC broadcast addressed recent comments made by Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve regarding transgender athletes. The broadcast also showed video of Reeve meeting with Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham on the court pregame about the topic, and noted Reeve wearing a”Trans Kids Belong”…
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 7:33 PM‘Incredibly thoughtful’: ESPN praises Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for saying ‘protect trans kids’
Over the past several days, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has sparked a lot of conversation throughout the WNBA about whether or not transgender women belong in women’s sports. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was one of the voices who weighed in on the matter, and now she’s getting some praise from ESPN. During…
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 9:16 AMCheryl Reeve: WNBA must be ‘safe space for everyone,’ regardless of viewpoint
With another rally supporting Sophie Cunningham planned for the Indiana Fever’s visit to Minneapolis on Sunday, Cheryl Reeve defended the demonstrators’ right to assemble while also declaring the need to find common ground in the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. The Minnesota Lynx coach spoke extensively on the controversy now swirling around Cunningham, the Fever guard who recently said excluding transgender athletes from women’s sports is “common sense,” and stressed th
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 4:58 AM‘We Need to Protect Trans Kids’ — Cheryl Reeve Issues Stern Response Against Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Stance
Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham is perhaps the most discussed athlete in women’s sports at the moment. Her comments about transgender athletes have sparked fresh dialogue within the league, and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was the latest eminent personality to weigh in on the debate.
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