Political activist Riley Gaines has claimed that WNBA officials attempted to remove her sign supporting Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham during a game on Sunday. Gaines stated she was told the sign, which read "Sophie, Thank You - A Girl Mom," had to be taken down because it included Cunningham's name.
Gaines attended the game amid a growing controversy surrounding transgender participation in women's sports, which was amplified after Cunningham commented on the need to protect "young girls" from "biological men." Cunningham's remarks have divided fans, with some cheering her and others booing, and a range of signs displayed by attendees.
According to Gaines, an arena staffer approached her and said she had to remove the sign. She asserted that she had checked the arena's policies beforehand and that the sign met size requirements. Gaines also noted that many other signs with names were present in the arena, questioning why hers was singled out.
Jennifer Sey, a friend of Gaines and a former gymnast, shared the incident on social media, which Gaines reposted. Gaines later told OutKick that after the staffer's request, her section of the crowd expressed outrage. The staffer reportedly returned later and apologized, and Gaines was ultimately allowed to keep her sign.
After the game, Gaines posted a photo with Cunningham, stating on Instagram, "I show up for @sophie_cham because she shows up for my daughter." Cunningham, who did not publicly comment on the incident, liked Gaines' post.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve made a public statement of her own by wearing a "Trans Kids Belong" t-shirt during the game. Reeve, who also coaches the U.S. Women's National Basketball Team, spoke to reporters about her stance on inclusion, criticizing the notion that transgender athletes are the primary issue in women's sports. She described the debate as being "made a massive issue" by a faction of people in the country. Reeve and Cunningham were observed in conversation before the game, and Reeve later commented that they discussed their platforms and the importance of education on such issues.
The WNBA game also saw protests outside the Target Center in Minneapolis. Rallies organized by opposing groups led to clashes between supporters of Sophie Cunningham and pro-trans demonstrators. Videos from the scene showed a physical altercation where a supporter of Cunningham reportedly took a t-shirt from a demonstrator, leading to a confrontation that security had to de-escalate.
The Indiana Fever lost the game to the Minnesota Lynx 108-100.