Riley Gaines argues Sophie Cunningham deserves 2026 Female Athlete of the Year
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
Riley Gaines has voiced strong support for Sophie Cunningham, calling it ‘rigged’ if she does not receive the 2026 Female Athlete of the Year honor. Gaines highlighted Cunningham's appeal among sports fans and her recent market success, including a sold-out Adidas shoe. Despite the controversy surrounding Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes in women's sports, her popularity has surged, resulting in a significant social media following. Cunningham and the Indiana Fever are set to focus on an important game against the Connecticut Sun this Friday, followed by a break before their final four matches of the regular season in September.
- •Riley Gaines claims 90% support for Sophie Cunningham among sports fans.
- •Cunningham's new Adidas shoe sold out quickly following its release.
- •Cunningham is trending in discussions regarding young girls in sports.
- •The Indiana Fever play the Connecticut Sun on Friday.
- •Cunningham's final four WNBA matches are scheduled for September.
- 10:31 PMYahoo Sports — ‘My Main Problem’ — Riley Gaines Finds Faults With Caitlin Clark’s Stance On Trans-Athlete Debate Surrounding Sophie Cunningham
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Riley Gaines says ‘it’s rigged’ if Sophie Cunningham doesn’t earn 2026 accolade
"Sophie Cunningham has become a major talking point in the WNBA after she spoke about ‘protecting’ young girls from competing against biological males in women’s sports. She has been a controversial figure in the eyes of some, but her popularity has grown a great deal since she spoke out, including surpassing her Indiana Fever teammate, Caitlin Clark, in Instagram followers.
"Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has been a key factor in the trans-athlete debate surrounding the WNBA this season. Cunningham has generally been quite outspoken on the subject, making it clear that she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 10:31 PM‘My Main Problem’ — Riley Gaines Finds Faults With Caitlin Clark’s Stance On Trans-Athlete Debate Surrounding Sophie Cunningham
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has been a key factor in the trans-athlete debate surrounding the WNBA this season. Cunningham has generally been quite outspoken on the subject, making it clear that she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 8:00 AMRiley Gaines says ‘it’s rigged’ if Sophie Cunningham doesn’t earn 2026 accolade
Sophie Cunningham has become a major talking point in the WNBA after she spoke about ‘protecting’ young girls from competing against biological males in women’s sports. She has been a controversial figure in the eyes of some, but her popularity has grown a great deal since she spoke out, including surpassing her Indiana Fever teammate, Caitlin Clark, in Instagram followers.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 6:47 PMThe four factors for Valkyries vs. Dream that will decide who wins WNBA Finals
WNBA•Oct 16, 2026, 2:37 PM‘The point is to sow division’: WNBA trans athlete debate exposed as ‘manufactured outrage’
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 9:32 PMAngel Reese's WNBA Finals appearance comes with unexpected controversy for Atlanta Dream
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 9:19 PMAngel Reese, Gabby Williams headline WNBA All-Defensive team: Full list
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 10:30 AM‘I sort of like her’: President Trump sends a message to Sophie Cunningham
WNBA•Oct 15, 2026, 10:16 AMWNBA free agent fits: Napheesa Collier to Golden State? Kelsey Mitchell to Las Vegas?