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Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes draw White House attention

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 6:02 PM

Last updated Jul 23, 2026

Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes draw White House attention

Summary

Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever reiterated her stance against transgender girls participating in girls' sports in a recent interview. This statement gained traction during a White House press briefing, where spokesperson Karoline Leavitt highlighted former President Donald Trump's support for Cunningham's views on the issue. Cunningham's popularity in the WNBA has surged since joining the Fever from the Phoenix Mercury in February. Her comments are part of a broader debate on transgender participation in sports, with mixed reactions across social media. Leavitt called the backlash against Cunningham 'ludicrous' and framed the issue as a reflection of public opinion.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Cunningham opposes transgender girls in girls' sports, calling it 'common sense'.
•Her comments received support from White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
•Cunningham gained popularity after joining the Fever in February 2025.
•Leavitt criticized backlash against Cunningham from left-wing commentators.
•Cunningham's statements coincide with broader debates on gender in sports.

Latest Updates

6:02 PMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham receives support from White House on issue Donald Trump 'feels strongly about'

What they're saying

"
Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham said it was "common sense" to protect children in sports. It was brought up in the White House press briefing today.
— Yahoo Sports

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