Sophie Cunningham's comments spark debate in WNBA over trans rights
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 8:18 PM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's remarks during an ESPN interview have reignited discussions about transgender athletes in women's sports. Cunningham expressed that young girls should be protected from transgender women, leading to protests outside Fever games. In response, players and coaches from other teams, like the Seattle Storm and Minnesota Lynx, have shown their support for trans rights during games. The absence of openly transgender players in the league is also highlighted, with Layshia Clarendon noted as the first trans and nonbinary player in WNBA history. The issue of trans inclusion continues to unfold as both support and opposition emerge within the league.
- •Cunningham's remarks led to protests outside Fever games.
- •Support for trans rights was shown by players like Stefanie Dolson and Cheryl Reeve.
- •No openly trans women currently compete in the WNBA.
- •Layshia Clarendon is recognized as the first trans and nonbinary player in WNBA history.
- •The issue reflects broader societal debates on transgender participation in sports.
- 8:18 PMYahoo Sports — The WNBA “Felt Like a Lifeline” for LGBTQ+ Fans. Anti-Trans Attacks Are Testing That Refuge.
"Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s remarks opposing transgender athletes in women’s sports injected political debate into a league with no openly trans women players.
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