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Sophie Cunningham comments on trans athletes; J.K. Rowling offers support

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 4:00 PM

Last updated Jul 27, 2026

Sophie Cunningham comments on trans athletes; J.K. Rowling offers support

Summary

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has sparked controversy with comments regarding transgender women in women’s sports. In an ESPN interview, she expressed her intention to ‘protect women’s sports’ while addressing the backlash she received. Cunningham reiterated her stance at a press conference before a game against the Connecticut Sun, emphasizing the need to support biologically female athletes. In response, author J.K. Rowling backed Cunningham, praising her for standing up for women and girls through a post on X. The situation has garnered both support and criticism within the sports community.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Sophie Cunningham criticized transgender women in sports during an ESPN interview.
•Cunningham reaffirmed her comments ahead of a game against the Connecticut Sun.
•J.K. Rowling publicly supported Cunningham's views on X.
•The comments have received mixed reactions from the public.

Latest Updates

4:00 PMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s glorious’: J.K. Rowling does not hold back on Sophie Cunningham’s trans sports comments

What they're saying

"
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has made headlines this week as she spoke out against transgender women in women’s sports. While her comments have been met with a lot of criticism, she has received some support from a high-profile author who has similarly criticized transgender people. With all the discourse swirling surrounding Cunningham’s statement, Harry Potter author…
— Yahoo Sports

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Indiana Fever WNBA Basketball