Sophie Cunningham faces boos in Fever vs. Lynx amid protests
10 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 9:25 AM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
Sophie Cunningham checked into the game for the Indiana Fever against the Minnesota Lynx on August 2, receiving a mixed reception of boos and cheers. This response was fueled by her previous comments regarding transgender athletes, which led to protests outside Target Center. Supporters of Cunningham clashed with those advocating for transgender rights, resulting in a tense atmosphere. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve supported transgender individuals by wearing a T-shirt with a related message. This marks the third consecutive game where Cunningham has encountered such backlash from opposing fans.
- •Cunningham entered the game amidst ongoing protests.
- •Lynx fans booed Cunningham during her appearances.
- •Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt supporting transgender rights.
- •Protests outside Target Center included supporters on both sides.
- •Cunningham's comments have generated backlash over multiple games.
- 9:25 AMYahoo Sports — ‘What Are You Talking About?’ — ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Puts ‘Irresponsible’ Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve on Blast For Opposing Sophie Cunningham
- 8:04 PMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham’s Opposing Coach Pointedly Wears ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt During Game
- 1:57 PMYahoo Sports — ‘I’m all about inclusivity’: Another WNBA coach stands against Sophie Cunningham
- 5:12 AMYahoo Sports — ‘What a Joke’ — ESPN Under Fire for Promoting Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve’s ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt Amid Sophie Cunningham Controversy
- 9:11 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA Coach Protests Sophie Cunningham By Wearing ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt
- 8:49 PMESPN — Fever game draws rallies for, against Cunningham
- 6:59 PMYahoo Sports — Rallies surround Fever-Lynx game after Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender athletes
- 5:34 PMYahoo Sports — Fever's game vs Lynx brought another rally, more boos for Sophie Cunningham
"A crowd of critics and supporters of Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender participation in women’s sports gathered around and inside Target Center on Sunday as the Fever faced the Lynx in Minnesota. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a light blue shirt under her jacket that said, “Trans kids belong” as she coached on the bench. There were fans in the stands wearing T-shirts that read, “Trans kids belong in sports.”
"The popularity of the WNBA has been growing by the minute; however, one storyline that has been particularly in the headlines is Sophie Cunningham & her stance on trans athletes participating in women’s sports. This ongoing feud has even made its way to the ESPN broadcast booth after the network’s coverage of Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve drew major criticism from those who felt they had taken sides.
"Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham generated a lot of headlines last week when she spoke out against transgender women playing in women’s sports. However, it’s since become clear that not everyone agrees with that stance. Since Cunningham’s comments, a number of WNBA coaches have seemingly opposed Cunningham’s point of view. On Sunday, another coach offered…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 9:25 AM‘What Are You Talking About?’ — ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Puts ‘Irresponsible’ Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve on Blast For Opposing Sophie Cunningham
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt reading “Trans Kids Belong” during her team’s highly anticipated showdown against Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever on Sunday. It wasn’t lost on anyone that the statement was a response to Cunningham’s stance that women shouldn’t be asked to compete against biological men.
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 8:04 PMSophie Cunningham’s Opposing Coach Pointedly Wears ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt During Game
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve shared her perspective on the controversy and met with the Indiana Fever star before the game
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 1:57 PM‘I’m all about inclusivity’: Another WNBA coach stands against Sophie Cunningham
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham generated a lot of headlines last week when she spoke out against transgender women playing in women’s sports. However, it’s since become clear that not everyone agrees with that stance. Since Cunningham’s comments, a number of WNBA coaches have seemingly opposed Cunningham’s point of view. On Sunday, another coach offered…
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 5:12 AM‘What a Joke’ — ESPN Under Fire for Promoting Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve’s ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt Amid Sophie Cunningham Controversy
The popularity of the WNBA has been growing by the minute; however, one storyline that has been particularly in the headlines is Sophie Cunningham & her stance on trans athletes participating in women’s sports. This ongoing feud has even made its way to the ESPN broadcast booth after the network’s coverage of Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve drew major criticism from those who felt they had taken sides.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 9:11 PMWNBA Coach Protests Sophie Cunningham By Wearing ‘Trans Kids Belong’ Shirt
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve took a shot at Sophie Cunningham by wearing a t-shirt declaring "Trans Kids Belong" when her team played the Indiana Fever.
- ESPNAug 2, 2026, 8:49 PMFever game draws rallies for, against Cunningham
A crowd of critics and supporters of Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender participation in women's sports gathered around and inside Target Center on Sunday afternoon as the Indiana Fever faced the Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis.
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 6:59 PMRallies surround Fever-Lynx game after Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender athletes
A crowd of critics and supporters of Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham's stance on transgender participation in women’s sports gathered around and inside Target Center on Sunday as the Fever faced the Lynx in Minnesota. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a light blue shirt under her jacket that said, “Trans kids belong” as she coached on the bench. There were fans in the stands wearing T-shirts that read, “Trans kids belong in sports.”
- Yahoo SportsAug 2, 2026, 5:34 PMFever's game vs Lynx brought another rally, more boos for Sophie Cunningham
Fever wing Sophie Cunningham was again greeted with a mix of boos and cheers when she checked in Sunday vs Lynx due to her comments on transgender athletes
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