Valkyries coach Nakase addresses protests before Lynx game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 9:31 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Before the Golden State Valkyries' game against the Minnesota Lynx on August 20, head coach Natalie Nakase spoke out against hate speech surrounding the protests regarding transgender athletes' participation in women's sports. Nakase emphasized the need for love and understanding in the ongoing debate. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also reiterated her support for inclusivity, stating, 'trans kids belong.' Protesters gathered outside the arena, highlighting the contentious atmosphere leading into the game.
- •Natalie Nakase called for love amidst protests at the Lynx-Valkyries game.
- •Cheryl Reeve expressed her support for transgender athletes.
- •Protesters lined up outside the arena during the game.
- •The debate around transgender inclusion in sports remains a hot topic.
- •Signage was restricted from being brought inside the arena.
- 9:31 AMYahoo Sports — “Too Much Hate Speech”: Valkyries HC Natalie Nakase Not Pleased as ‘Save Women’s Sports’ Protesters Make Presence Felt
"As protestors seemingly reached the doors of the Golden State Valkyries’ game against the Minnesota Lynx, all eyes were on the head coaches, Natalie Nakase and Cheryl Reeve, who gave their thoughts amid the debate over transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. For Nakase, it was clear that there was “too much hate speech,” and she wanted others to love each other, pointing out that she likes to lead with love herself.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- WNBA•Aug 20, 2026, 10:12 AMWNBA games today: Schedule, times, how to watch for Aug. 20
WNBA•Aug 20, 2026, 9:39 AMOlivia Miles injury update: Lynx star rookie exits win with ankle injury
WNBA•Aug 20, 2026, 9:31 AMCaitlin Clark is having a banner season, so why isn’t she in MVP conversations?
Basketball•Aug 20, 2026, 9:07 AM“Transgender Kids Belong”: Cheryl Reeve Sticks to her Guns on Controversial Debate With Clear Message to XX-XY Protestors
WNBA•Aug 20, 2026, 8:15 AMOlivia Miles’ sidestep 3-pointer in Lynx-Valkyries game is a must-see
WNBA•Aug 20, 2026, 7:05 AMNneka Ogwumike, WNBA champion and MVP, will retire after the 2026 season