WNBA Players Union Speaks Out Against Hate After Sophie Cunningham Controversy

The Women's National Basketball Players Association released a statement on Friday speaking out against hate toward transgender people. The statement came after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said she believes transgender athletes should not compete in women's sports. Her comments sparked protests, rallies, and big reactions both inside and outside WNBA arenas.

The union, which represents WNBA players, said it stands against 'hate, abuse, and demonization' of any group, including transgender people. It also asked fans to report anyone spreading hateful messages at games. The statement did not mention Cunningham by name and did not take a direct side on whether transgender athletes should be allowed to compete.

Cunningham first made headlines on July 21 when ESPN quoted her saying she wants to 'protect young girls in a locker room' and that players 'shouldn't have to go against biological men.' She repeated her views the very next day before Indiana's win over the Connecticut Sun. 'I said what I said. I think it's kind of common sense,' she told reporters.

Even though Cunningham later said she is 'not a very political person' and that she has 'never once stated that I hated the trans community,' her words caused a strong reaction. Supporters and critics held competing rallies outside Fever games. She also took a photo with Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer who is known for speaking out against transgender athletes in women's sports.

Some WNBA figures pushed back against Cunningham's comments. Celeste Keaton, a co-owner of the Seattle Storm, was suspended and fined after an incident with two teenage girls at a game in Seattle. The girls were sitting courtside and holding signs supporting Cunningham when Keaton approached them, cursed at them, and called them insane.

When the Fever played the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, Cunningham was booed throughout the game, and Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a shirt that read 'Trans kids belong.' Cunningham called the reaction a distraction and said the WNBA should use the moment to show it cares about inclusion and diversity. Vice President JD Vance also stepped in to show his support, telling Cunningham on Fox News to 'keep going.'

As part of her argument, Cunningham pointed to Title IX, a federal law from 1972 that bans sex discrimination in schools that receive federal money. The law is well-known for helping open up sports opportunities for girls and women. 'That's why you have Title IX. That's why you have some of the greats in women's sports,' Cunningham said.

Transgender athletes in sports has become a major debate in recent years. On July 30, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws in individual states that ban transgender athletes from competing alongside cisgender athletes. This came one year after President Donald Trump signed an executive order trying to block transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports.

Cunningham is in her second season with the Indiana Fever, after the team picked her up in a trade from the Phoenix Mercury in February 2025. She re-signed in April on a one-year deal and is averaging 9.1 points per game while shooting 44.8 percent on three-pointers. The Fever's next game is in Chicago against the Sky on Saturday.