Poll finds public supports Sophie Cunningham's views on transgender athletes in WNBA
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 4:38 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
A recent Pew Research poll indicates significant support among Americans for WNBA player Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender athletes. Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, advocates for policies protecting women's sports when it comes to participation by transgender individuals. The poll reveals that 73% of Americans agree with her perspective, and 66% favor laws requiring transgender athletes to compete according to their sex assigned at birth. This issue gained additional attention after former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom humorously expressed intentions to enter the WNBA Draft, citing these self-identification guidelines. Responses from other athletes, including Golden State Valkyries star, highlight a debate within the league about inclusivity for transgender athletes.
- •73% of Americans support Cunningham's views on transgender athletes.
- •66% favor laws for transgender athletes competing by birth sex.
- •Cunningham emphasizes the importance of protecting women's sports.
- •Enes Kanter Freedom's comments added humor and debate to the issue.
- •Athletes within the league express differing opinions on inclusivity.
- 4:38 PMYahoo Sports — Poll shows how Americans truly feel about Sophie Cunningham’s WNBA take on transgender athletes
"In a clear signal of public sentiment, new polling shows that most Americans back WNBA star Sophie Cunningham’s stance on protecting women’s sports categories. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked debate after stating she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men”.
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