Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has stated he is monitoring the WNBA's treatment of fans who support Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham and advocate for sex-based categories in women's sports. Paxton expressed cautious optimism regarding the league's actions, particularly after a recent incident where WNBA security asked fans to cover shirts promoting these views.
Paxton attended the Indiana Fever's game against the Dallas Wings with his daughter, wearing matching XX-XY shirts as supporters rallied outside the arena. When asked about the treatment of Cunningham's supporters, Paxton told Fox News Digital, "Look, I think they’re working on it. I have concerns ... but I’m hopeful that things are getting better in that regard."
He indicated that his office is "looking" into the issue to ensure fair treatment for fans, though he did not announce any specific formal actions. This comes after WNBA supporters raised concerns about their experiences at games in multiple cities.
The WNBA acknowledged that security personnel were mistaken in instructing a mother and daughter to cover their XX-XY shirts at an Atlanta Dream game. "This should not have happened," the league stated in response.
Paxton, who has been a vocal proponent of keeping biological males out of women's sports, reaffirmed his stance. Texas law requires athletes in public schools and colleges to compete based on biological sex. While these state laws do not directly govern WNBA eligibility, Paxton has previously pursued legal action, including a lawsuit against the NCAA over its transgender athlete policies.
Paxton praised Cunningham for her public opposition to the inclusion of biological males in women's sports, stating, "Look, I admire her. She’s got tremendous courage. It’s what we need in our country, more courage, standing up for what is right, and actually standing up for young women that want the opportunity to compete in sports."
The attorney general also commented on the announcements by former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White of their plans to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. Paxton characterized these announcements as highlighting the "crazy insanity of this whole transgender movement" and the "ludicrousness" of policies promoting such inclusion.
He also referenced the case of Brooke Slusser, a former San Jose State volleyball player who became an advocate for women's sports after stating she had to share living and sleeping spaces with a transgender teammate without initially knowing the player's sex. Paxton called the situation "ridiculous and ludicrous."
Paxton is currently campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat. His record as attorney general includes defending and enforcing Texas laws requiring sex-based competition in public schools and colleges, and challenging athletic organizations with policies he believes undermine this principle. This record has positioned him as a prominent legal advocate for sex-based athletic categories within the Republican Party.
Previous incidents involving Cunningham supporters have included an encounter at a Seattle Storm game where a team executive allegedly used profanity toward teenage fans holding signs thanking Cunningham. The Storm later apologized, and the WNBA suspended the executive.
In another instance at a Dallas Wings game, WNBA security personnel instructed fans to cover shirts related to transgender participation in women's sports, which the league later admitted was an error.