Right-wing commentator Clay Travis has offered $10 million to the WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, for a game against a high school boys' basketball team of his selection. The offer comes amid an intensifying debate within the WNBA regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports.
Travis, founder of the conservative news site Outkick, stated on X that if the Aces defeat his chosen team, he will award them $10 million. Should the boys' team win, they would receive the $10 million to distribute among their members. Travis proposed the game be a pay-per-view event, with all profits donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization that provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen soldiers, police, and first responders. He described the potential matchup as a "modern day battle of the sexes."
The controversy within the WNBA was amplified by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who recently stated her desire to "protect young girls" from "biological men." Cunningham's remarks have sparked significant discussion, drawing both condemnation and support from various figures.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has publicly supported transgender inclusion, wearing a "Trans Kids Belong" T-shirt during a game against the Fever. Conversely, Cunningham's stance has found backing from some conservative commentators and athletes. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has acknowledged the ongoing discussion, stating that "exclusion is not the answer."
During a post-game press conference following a loss to the Chicago Sky, Fever star Caitlin Clark addressed questions about Cunningham's comments. Clark stated that the team's focus remains on basketball and that such discussions are typically handled by leagues and governing bodies. "I think, for us, it's not really a discussion we really have in our locker room," Clark told reporters. "I think it's for leagues and the governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions, but our focus is on basketball."
The debate has led to protests both inside and outside WNBA arenas, with fans on opposing sides of the issue gathering at recent games. The Las Vegas Aces have not yet publicly commented on Travis's offer.