Sophie Cunningham supports rallies backing her transgender athlete comments

10 sources3 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 4:29 AM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Sophie Cunningham supports rallies backing her transgender athlete comments
Summary

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham addressed supporters in Portland on August 1, describing them as ‘bold’ and ‘courageous’ for rallying in defense of her views on transgender athletes in women's sports. Cunningham stressed this moment as an opportunity for the WNBA to exemplify its diversity and inclusion values. A counterprotest occurred, with some fans expressing dissatisfaction during the game against the Portland Fire. Discussions on future rallies in Minneapolis and Chicago are underway, following similar events at previous Fever games. Cunningham stated that she remains focused on basketball despite the surrounding activism.

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  • Cunningham praised rally supporters before the game in Portland.
  • She emphasized the WNBA's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Counterprotesters voiced their opposition during the game.
  • Future rallies are planned for upcoming Fever road contests.
  • Cunningham stated activism has not distracted her from playing.
Latest Updates
  • 4:29 AMYahoo Sports‘It Just Makes Me Sad’ — Sophie Cunningham Tired of ‘Drama’ Overshadowing WNBA Amid Trans Controversy
  • 3:18 PMYahoo SportsSophie Cunningham protests, explained: How Fever star's transgender athlete comments sparked WNBA controversy
  • 10:10 AMYahoo SportsSophie Cunningham was ‘heavily’ booed every time she touched the ball
  • 5:59 AMYahoo SportsTrans Athlete and Former World Champion Male Athlete Weighs in on Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Statement
  • 6:32 PMYahoo Sports‘She’s So Aggressive’ — Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Backs Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Fight Against Trans Athletes
  • 8:48 PMYahoo Sports‘A Hero,’ ‘Sickening’ – WNBA World Divided As Sophie Cunningham Shows Love to Fans’ Anti-Trans-Athlete Rallies
  • 7:28 PMYahoo Sports‘We need to protect trans kids’: Lynx coach breaks silence on ‘anti-trans’ movement before facing Sophie Cunningham
  • 7:25 PMYahoo Sports‘I’m not going to hide’: Sophie Cunningham does not hold back after trans sports comments
What they're saying
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Speaking for the first time since ralliers began assembling in support of her stance against transgender participation in women’s sports, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said this was an opportunity for the WNBA to uphold its values of diversity and inclusion. Cunningham called the ralliers “bold” and “courageous” before Friday night’s game against the Portland Fire at the Moda Center, but denied having any direct association with organizers of the rallies that have sprung

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Last week, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham kicked open the door to a very public discussion around transgender athlete participation in women’s sports. It’s a conversation that has been happening in earnest across league social media, t-shirt slogans, and promotions. However, after Cunningham voiced a desire to “protect young girls in a locker room, or…

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Over the past several weeks, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has found herself at the center of some controversy after she spoke out against transgender women competing in women’s sports. As a result of those comments, she did not exactly receive a warm welcome from fans on Sunday afternoon. During Sunday afternoon’s showdown with the…

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