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The Athletic stands firm on Sophie Cunningham amid backlash

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 1:36 PM

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

The Athletic stands firm on Sophie Cunningham amid backlash

Summary

The Athletic has reiterated its position against Sophie Cunningham, suggesting that the Indiana Fever should part ways with the guard due to her political statements regarding transgender athletes. In a column by Candace Buckner, Cunningham was described as 'too combustible' to play with other team members, particularly Caitlin Clark. The publication claims her influence has shifted the Fever's narrative from basketball to cultural debates, labeling her supporters as 'agitators'. This situation has intensified discussions about the intersection of sports and politics during the peak of the WNBA season, highlighting the distraction it poses to the league's focus on basketball. Cunningham continues to engage with her narrative around women's sports, further complicating her standing in the league.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•The Athletic urges Indiana Fever to release Sophie Cunningham.
•Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes attract media scrutiny.
•The situation ignites discussions about culture wars in sports.
•Cunningham was seen promoting her views at a recent Mizzou game.
•Debate intensifies amid the WNBA season leading up to the Finals.

Latest Updates

1:36 PMYahoo Sports — The Athletic double down after saying Fever shouldn’t sign Sophie Cunningham

What they're saying

"
The Athletic is escalating its crusade against Sophie Cunningham, which has caused a firestorm online. Ever since Cunningham publicly stated that biological men shouldn’t compete in women’s sports to protect female athletes, she has been a target for progressive sports media and hostile crowds.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Indiana Fever New York Liberty WNBA Basketball