Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve spoke about her mid-court discussion with Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, a conversation that occurred as protests against Cunningham's stance on transgender athletes took place outside the arena. The Lynx defeated the Fever 108-100 in Minneapolis.
Cunningham has become a polarizing figure after recently voicing opposition to transgender athletes participating in women's sports. Reeve, who also coaches the U.S. Women's National Basketball Team, entered the discourse by wearing a t-shirt that read "Trans kids belong" during the Lynx victory.
Before the game, Reeve and Cunningham were observed engaging in a serious conversation. Reeve later described the talk as "great," stating that both individuals acknowledged their public platforms and a shared desire to "educate." She added that while they might have differences on some issues, "it's how you handle things" that matters. Reeve expressed that the in-person discussion was "nice."
Reeve reiterated her commitment to inclusion, stating, "The narrative that I think is problematic is to suggest that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women's sports." She noted that a "faction of people in our country" are amplifying this issue. The WNBA currently has no transgender players who were assigned male at birth, and such athletes are reportedly rare at the NCAA level, with fewer than 10 competing in 2024, according to NCAA President Charlie Baker.
The friction extended beyond the court, with opposing groups clashing outside the Target Center. Rallies organized for and against Cunningham's views escalated into a physical altercation when a Cunningham supporter reportedly snatched a t-shirt from a pro-trans demonstrator. Security intervened to separate the groups.
This incident followed similar demonstrations outside arenas in Seattle and Portland during the Indiana Fever's recent road games. The protests have occurred despite the Fever's five-game winning streak.
Cunningham's controversy stems from comments made to ESPN suggesting that young girls "shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sports. She later clarified on social media regarding a contentious hand gesture during a game, stating, "I didn't call them losers but I did talk s***." She also shared a video of herself quieting a booing crowd and a clip of her giving game-worn shoes to a young fan.
