WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has responded defiantly to criticism following her comments on transgender athletes participating in women's sports. Cunningham, a player for the Indiana Fever and a friend of Caitlin Clark, stated in a recent interview with ESPN that women "shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Her remarks drew sharp criticism online, with some WNBA fans calling for the league to penalize her, and other responses on social media escalating to personal abuse. However, Cunningham asserted that the backlash would not affect her.
Speaking to reporters before her team's game against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham doubled down on her position. "There's going to be some negative comments but there's also a lot of positive comments too. It is what it is," she said. "I really don't care what other people have to say. I said what I said, I think it's common sense and I think I will always believe in that. I stand on what I said."
When asked if her comments indicated a broader political stance, Cunningham denied aspirations to become outspoken on other major issues. "I am not a very political person but I have beliefs, I have morals and I will always be true to who I am," she stated. "When it comes to protecting young girls and women in sports, I feel very strongly about that."
The issue of transgender athletes in sports has become increasingly politicized. This trend has been noted in relation to political shifts, including executive orders and Supreme Court rulings concerning the participation of transgender athletes in sports categorized by sex.
Addressing whether her comments could negatively impact the transgender community, Cunningham emphasized her inclusive perspective. "I extend love, I don't dislike anyone," she said. "I think there's room for everyone here and there's room to love everyone. I truly think when you get people in the same room and you have conversations, you actually have a lot in common with a lot of people."
She continued, "I'm there to love but I am also there to love biological women and I think that there are rights that need to be protected. Like I said, I am going to stand true to that. I'll never falter in my beliefs for that. But I've never said I hated the trans community. I think there is space for everyone."
Cunningham also noted that alongside criticism, she has received significant support for voicing her opinion on the divisive topic. "Me coming out with that, there are so many people like 'finally someone has said something'," she concluded. "I know whatever I say, I'm gonna get hate and I am gonna get love. That's just what this world is. I am confident in who I am, I am happy being me and I am going to continue to be that."
This is not the first time Cunningham has faced scrutiny over the issue. In 2022, she drew backlash for sharing a post critical of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas's inclusion in women's collegiate sports. At the time, Cunningham released a statement clarifying she stood with athletes and called for fair competition.
In the game following her remarks, Cunningham's Indiana Fever secured a decisive 123-88 victory over the Connecticut Sun. She played 21 minutes and scored eight points, contributing to the team's 17-10 record as they headed into the All-Star break.