Martina Navratilova criticizes WNBA coaches over trans athlete stance

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 5:42 AM

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

Martina Navratilova criticizes WNBA coaches over trans athlete stance
Summary

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.

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Status Watch
  • 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.
Latest Updates
  • 5:42 AMYahoo SportsMartina Navratilova Calls Out Indiana Fever & Portland Fire Coaches Over Their Takes On Sophie Cunningham’s Trans Athlete Stance
What they're saying
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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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