Sophie Cunningham, player for the Indiana Fever, has detailed her courtside conversation with Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve regarding transgender athletes in women's sports. The exchange occurred after Reeve wore a T-shirt that read 'Trans Kids Belong' during a game between their teams.
Cunningham had previously stated her desire to 'protect young girls' from 'biological men' in female competitions. This stance drew criticism, and several prominent WNBA figures distanced themselves from her remarks. Reeve, who also coaches the U.S. Women's National Basketball Team, visibly expressed her support for transgender inclusion.
Cunningham described the interaction with Reeve as respectful, noting that the coach approached her in person. "She had stories about her point of view and I had stories about my point of view and we left with love and respect and I think that's what it's all about," Cunningham told reporters after the game. She appreciated the directness of the conversation, contrasting it with anonymous online commentary.
Reeve characterized the discussion as "great," highlighting a shared goal of education despite potential differences in opinion. "I think it's how you handle things. It was nice to be in person, for sure," Reeve commented.
Reeve elaborated on her perspective before the game, stating, "I come from a space of inclusion." She challenged the narrative that transgender athletes pose the primary problem in women's sports, suggesting that focusing on this issue distracts from other concerns. "There is a faction of people in our country that are making this a massive issue," she added.
While Cunningham's remarks have been met with opposition from some and support from conservative figures like political activist Riley Gaines and tennis icon Martina Navratilova, Reeve's actions have also drawn attention. Conservative media outlet Outkick founder Clay Travis has been particularly vocal, applauding Cunningham for her stance and even offering $10 million for a basketball game between the WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces and a high school boys' team to demonstrate perceived physical differences. Travis has also threatened to launch an all-trans WNBA franchise.
The WNBA has not officially commented on Cunningham's statements. However, the league's recently ratified collective bargaining agreement stipulates that "only players who are women are eligible to play."