WNBA star Sophie Cunningham came out in support of protecting the integrity of, and ensuring safety in women’s and girls’ sports by firmly opposing the inclusion trans-identifying biological males.
Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever who has become one of the league’s most popular stars, discussed assumptions about her views amid ongoing debates over transgender participation in female categories. “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,’” Cunningham told ESPN.
“I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” she added. “I’m very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume.”
The remarks responded to prior criticism and labels from the league’s minuscule fan base and pundit circle, including “MAGA Barbie,” rather than a single quoted question in available reports. Cunningham emphasized her direct involvement in women’s basketball as qualifying her to address fairness and safety in the sport.
🚨 JUST IN: WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham has INFURIATED the left nationwide, saying men do not belong in women’s sports
“I want to protect young girls in a locker room and young girls who shouldn’t have to go against biological men!” 💯
The transgender cult is furious: She just… pic.twitter.com/mQwqxCEeLN
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 22, 2026
In March 2022, Cunningham faced backlash from left-wing groups and individuals for retweeting a CBS Sports post by Josh Pate about transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, a biological male who broke multiple collegiate swimming records. “Female collegiate athletes deserve so much better than this,” the post read.
Cunningham was forced to issue an apology after backlash to the post. “To my teammates, friends, family, supporters and fans, you know that I stand with all people, especially my fellow athletes. I do not judge, but support all races, religions, sexual preferences and gender equity. We all have a place in this world to compete and I hope we are able to grant everyone that opportunity fairly,” Cunningham wrote.
Cunningham has played six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Fever, where she plays alongside league superstar Caitlin Clark.. She ranks among the league’s top three-point shooters in recent years and contributes as a key defender.
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