Sophie Cunningham sparks debate on trans athletes in women's sports
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 8:37 PM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has ignited controversy with her comments regarding transgender athletes in women's sports, emphasizing the need to protect young girls in locker rooms. Her statements, made in a recent ESPN interview, received backing from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt amid a polarized national discourse. Cunningham, also known for her viral moments on the court, stated she wants to see protections for female athletes and invoked Title IX. The Indiana Fever stated that Cunningham's views are her own, while many fans expressed outrage online. The league has maintained a more inclusive stance on the issue compared to other sports organizations.
- •Cunningham calls for protections for young girls in sports.
- •Comments received White House support amid backlash.
- •Indiana Fever stated Cunningham's views are her own.
- •League has not banned transgender athletes from competition.
- •Cunningham's remarks contrast with inclusive league stance.
- 8:37 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA viral star Cunningham wades into trans athletes row
- 8:27 PMThe Washington Post — WNBA player Sophie Cunningham won’t stop talking about trans athletes - The Washington Post
- 5:23 PMFox News — White House defends WNBA star Sophie Cunningham after she speaks out in support of protecting women's sports - Fox News
"Basketball star and internet sensation Sophie Cunningham has become a lightning rod in the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports after her call to "protect young girls" in locker rooms drew White House praise."I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men," she told ESPN in an interview published Tuesday.
"Cunningham says her political views are “very much in the middle,” but her views on trans athletes and perceived conservatism have made her a popular figure on the right.
"Karoline Leavitt backed Sophie Cunningham after the Indiana Fever star faced backlash for speaking out against biological men competing in women's sports.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 8:37 PMWNBA viral star Cunningham wades into trans athletes row
Basketball star and internet sensation Sophie Cunningham has become a lightning rod in the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports after her call to "protect young girls" in locker rooms drew White House praise."I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men," she told ESPN in an interview published Tuesday.
- The Washington PostJul 23, 2026, 8:27 PMWNBA player Sophie Cunningham won’t stop talking about trans athletes - The Washington Post
Cunningham says her political views are “very much in the middle,” but her views on trans athletes and perceived conservatism have made her a popular figure on the right.
- Fox NewsJul 23, 2026, 5:23 PMWhite House defends WNBA star Sophie Cunningham after she speaks out in support of protecting women's sports - Fox News
Karoline Leavitt backed Sophie Cunningham after the Indiana Fever star faced backlash for speaking out against biological men competing in women's sports.
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