Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has spoken out regarding the backlash she has faced for her views on transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Cunningham stated that she believes female athletes should not have to compete against biological males and that women's sports should remain exclusive to biological women.
During a USA Network broadcast, Cunningham addressed the ongoing debate and the public reaction to her position. She acknowledged that not everyone will agree with her perspective but emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and pursuing peace during discussions. "I just hate how The W, the basketball of it all, is just getting overshadowed...It just makes me sad that all this sort of drama, on things that truly don't matter, that the basketball is getting overshadowed," Cunningham said. She added that she believes "love and respect" should be paramount, even amid disagreements.
Cunningham's comments come after an ESPN profile published in July, where she first elaborated on her views. She clarified that her stance is not one of hatred toward transgender individuals but rather a desire to protect young girls in sports and locker rooms. "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 stated.
She described her position as being "very much in the middle," agreeing and disagreeing with aspects from both sides of the issue, and expressed frustration with assumptions made about her political beliefs. The interview with ESPN reportedly took place in February.
Fans have shown support for Cunningham's stance, with crowds gathering outside WNBA arenas holding signs. Host Jon Scott of 'Outkick' noted the growing fan support, with guest Dan Dakich praising Cunningham's courage. The national debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports has been a prominent topic, with a March 2025 New York Times poll indicating that 79% of Americans believe men should be barred from competing in women's sports.