The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is facing renewed criticism after arena security reportedly asked two fans to cover T-shirts that advocated for women's sports during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. Social media personality Dave Portnoy and activist Riley Gaines have publicly denounced the league for the incident.
Kasey Thomason and her 17-year-old daughter, Annie, were reportedly told by security at Gateway Center Arena that their shirts from XX-XY Athletics, a brand supporting women's sports, were "offensive" and violated arena guidelines. They were allegedly instructed to cover the shirts or face ejection. The Thomasons, who were seated in the lower level, had purchased tickets costing $1,000 each.
"We did nothing," Thomason stated after the game. "We were just sitting there. I didn't make signs. I wanted to make signs, but I didn't. I did nothing."
According to Thomason, another spectator wearing a "Protect Trans Rights" shirt had pointed them out to security after that individual was also asked to cover their attire. "She shouldn't have to zip up," Thomason added, suggesting both spectators should have been permitted to wear their chosen clothing.
Dave Portnoy, a vocal supporter of Caitlin Clark and critic of some WNBA policies, expressed his disapproval on social media, writing, "This league man."
The WNBA acknowledged the incident, stating in a statement to OutKick, "The WNBA is aware of interactions at last night's game in Atlanta in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts. This should not have happened."
The Atlanta Dream also issued a statement, seeking to distance themselves from the security's actions. "The Atlanta Dream believes in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Unfortunately, at last night's game, WNBA security took actions that fell short of that standard. At no point was Dream personnel involved in the decisions made by WNBA security."
Riley Gaines, a political activist and former collegiate swimmer, criticized the Dream's response on X, calling their statement a "predictable 'we believe in inclusivity!' explanation for discriminating against two women who know what a woman is lol."
The controversy emerges amidst ongoing discussions about gender participation in women's sports, particularly following comments made by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham stated in an ESPN interview that she believes in "protecting young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Cunningham's stance has become a focal point for debate, drawing both support and opposition. In response to the ongoing discourse, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, apparently as a form of protest regarding transgender inclusion in women's sports. White, who has publicly stated he is now transgender, announced his intention to join the league.
Riley Gaines has also reported her own experience with WNBA staff, claiming she was asked to put down a sign supporting Cunningham during a game. After a discussion, Gaines was reportedly allowed to keep the sign. Gaines later posted a photo with Cunningham on Instagram, captioning it, "I show up for @sophie_cham because she shows up for my daughter."
The incident highlights the friction surrounding the debate on transgender athletes and women's sports within the WNBA, with public figures weighing in on both sides of the issue.