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Payton McNabb supports Sophie Cunningham's criticism of WNBA leadership

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 12:00 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Payton McNabb supports Sophie Cunningham's criticism of WNBA leadership

Summary

Sophie Cunningham has sparked a debate regarding transgender athletes' eligibility in the WNBA. Payton McNabb expressed agreement with Cunningham, labeling the league’s handling of athlete fairness as a ‘complete joke’ during discussions on NEWSMAX. McNabb, an ambassador for the Independent Women Forum, highlights her experience after suffering an injury from a male athlete while competing. Following a recent task force meeting on the topic, the WNBA stated there are no immediate eligibility issues. The league condemned attempts to misuse this issue to harm others.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Sophie Cunningham criticized WNBA policies on transgender athletes.
•Payton McNabb agrees with Cunningham, calling WNBA handling a joke.
•McNabb has personal experience related to gender competition issues.
•WNBA held a task force meeting on transgender athletes recently.
•The league denounced efforts to use these discussions to demean others.

Latest Updates

12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Payton McNabb agrees with Sophie Cunningham as she calls WNBA ‘a complete joke’

What they're saying

"
Sophie Cunningham kick-started the debate around whether or not transgender athletes should be able to compete in the WNBA. Royce White and Enes Kanter have since declared for the 2027 WNBA draft, though it remains to be seen if the league would allow them to be drafted.
— Yahoo Sports

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