Martina Navratilova criticizes WNBA coaches over trans athlete stance
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 5:42 AM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
Martina Navratilova has called out Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and Portland Fire coach Alex Sarama regarding their responses to Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes in women's sports. Cunningham stated that transgender women should not compete in women's sports, prompting coaches to share their views. Sarama expressed support for all communities but avoided a direct answer on the issue, while White commented, 'I'm not a biologist.' Navratilova criticized both coaches on social media, labeling Sarama a 'coward' for his lack of a clear stance and expressed disapproval of White's non-committal response. The debate continues to generate discussions around the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
- •Sophie Cunningham argues against transgender women in women's sports.
- •Stephanie White and Alex Sarama respond ambiguously to Cunningham's comments.
- •Navratilova criticizes Sarama and White on social media for their lack of clarity.
- 7:34 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Wrong headline’ – Tennis legend Martina Navratilova defends Sophie Cunningham in women’s sport debate
- 5:42 AMYahoo Sports — Martina Navratilova Calls Out Indiana Fever & Portland Fire Coaches Over Their Takes On Sophie Cunningham’s Trans Athlete Stance
"Martina Navratilova recently criticized Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and Portland Fire coach Alex Sarama over their responses to Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports. The debate began after the Fever Guard, Sophie Cunningham, said in an interview with ESPN that transgender women should not be part of women’s sports.
"Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sport has overshadowed the WNBA recently. The Indiana Fever star was already a big name in the United States, as she plays alongside Caitlin Clark but also models and podcasts.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 7:34 PM‘Wrong headline’ – Tennis legend Martina Navratilova defends Sophie Cunningham in women’s sport debate
Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sport has overshadowed the WNBA recently. The Indiana Fever star was already a big name in the United States, as she plays alongside Caitlin Clark but also models and podcasts.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 5:42 AMMartina Navratilova Calls Out Indiana Fever & Portland Fire Coaches Over Their Takes On Sophie Cunningham’s Trans Athlete Stance
Martina Navratilova recently criticized Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White and Portland Fire coach Alex Sarama over their responses to Sophie Cunningham’s stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports. The debate began after the Fever Guard, Sophie Cunningham, said in an interview with ESPN that transgender women should not be part of women’s sports.
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