Riley Gaines, a former college swimmer and advocate for women's sports, claims an arena staffer attempted to confiscate a sign she was holding during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center. The sign reportedly read, "Sophie, thank you — a girl mom."
Gaines stated that the staffer told her the sign was not permitted because it contained the name of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham has recently faced criticism for publicly stating that women's sports should be reserved for biological females.
According to Gaines, she had checked Target Center's sign policies prior to the game, ensuring her sign met the size requirements of 11 by 17 inches. She recounted that the staffer approached her and insisted she remove the sign, explaining that its content, specifically Cunningham's name, was the issue. Gaines asserted that other spectators in her section expressed outrage, pointing out that numerous other signs displayed player names.
Gaines refused to take down the sign, questioning whether she would be ejected. She reported that the staffer eventually returned after the game and apologized, which Gaines interpreted as a possible indication that the instruction came from a higher authority.
Target Center's published policy generally permits signs under 11 by 17 inches, provided they are handheld, do not contain offensive language or graphics, and do not obstruct views. The policy reserves the right to confiscate signs deemed inappropriate and notes that policies may change based on event requirements. However, it does not explicitly prohibit signs solely for containing a player's name.
Gaines also described a hostile reception outside the arena, where she reported a protester near the entrance used a bullhorn near her face. Inside the arena, she noted a mixed reaction from attendees, with some directing insults while others requested photos and offered support. Gaines said that around halftime, families and young girls formed a line near her seat for photos.
During the game, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was seen on the sideline wearing a shirt that read "Trans kids belong," a message that contrasted with Cunningham's stance on women's sports. ESPN's broadcast highlighted Reeve's shirt and encouraged viewers to consider her previous comments on transgender athletes.
After the game concluded, Cunningham met with Gaines near the tunnel. Gaines reported that Cunningham was unfazed by the booing she received during the game, stating her confidence in her position on women's sports. Cunningham posed for a photograph with Gaines, holding the same sign that the arena staffer had asked Gaines to remove.
Reports indicate that Cunningham was booed throughout the Fever's loss to the Lynx. However, Gaines suggested that the public hostility did not reflect the sentiments of all attendees, noting that many fans privately expressed support for Cunningham's views.