Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines has detailed her experiences at recent WNBA games, describing what she perceives as hostility and discriminatory practices related to her stance on transgender athletes in women's sports. Gaines, who became a prominent figure following her tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships, stated that she does not seek confrontation but finds it follows her.
She recounted an incident at a Minnesota Lynx game where she held a sign supporting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, whose comments on biological men competing in women's sports had drawn controversy. According to Gaines, a WNBA staff member asked her to put the sign down because it bore Cunningham's name, while other signs with less positive messages were permitted.
"I saw tons of signs with many different players' names that were far less kind or positive than mine that were allowed to stay up," Gaines said, alleging a double standard. She noted that Cunningham later contacted her, expressing her intent to address the situation.
Gaines also referenced other instances involving the clothing brand XX-XY Athletics, which promotes the protection of women's sports. She mentioned a confrontation involving a teenager wearing the brand's apparel with a Seattle Storm co-owner, an incident that led to the owner's suspension from home games. In another case, a mother and daughter were reportedly asked to cover their XX-XY shirts or leave an arena.
Gaines expressed solidarity with Cunningham, describing the Fever guard as a "fierce defender." She noted that Cunningham's composure in the face of criticism is rooted in her faith and conviction, stating Cunningham told her, "I know what I'm doing is the right thing."
Gaines commented on the WNBA's leadership, including Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, suggesting that despite criticism, the league is experiencing record viewership and revenue. She also pointed to former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom's actions, including his declaration to enter the 2027 WNBA draft, as a tactic to force the league's hand on its policies.
"I think what he's doing is genius, quite frankly, because he's forcing the WNBA's hand," Gaines stated. She described the visual of Kanter Freedom, a 7-foot-2-inch former player, confronting WNBA players as highlighting the perceived absurdity of the situation.
Gaines intends to continue attending games and advocating for her position. She stated her primary hope is for the WNBA to provide a clear definition of a woman, which she believes would alleviate tension and allow fans to focus on the sport itself.