WNBA faces increased attention amid controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham

The WNBA is in the midst of its season while dealing with controversy surrounding Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, whose comments about transgender athletes have become a focal point. Since the story's emergence, which coincided with the release of her ESPN profile on July 21, mainstream discussions have shifted primarily to her rather than the season's actual games. Some sources suggest that this scrutiny may benefit the league by drawing in new audiences, although it could also deter potential fans due to its off-court nature. Recent viewership numbers for WNBA events have showed notable gains, but it is uncertain how much they are tied to Cunningham's situation, as the league was already on an upward trajectory. The debate continues over whether such publicity will help or hinder the WNBA's growth.

• 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Is all publicity good publicity for the WNBA?