Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever and viral WNBA star, stated she wants to protect young girls in sports and locker rooms from competing against biological males. She made the comments during an ESPN interview earlier this week, sparking widespread discussion and backlash [1, 2, 3, 4].
Cunningham emphasized that her stance is about protecting female athletes rather than hatred toward the transgender community. She called for "truth" alongside love and inclusion, saying, "I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men" and "I think it's kind of common sense... it's really important to protect children, and that's little girls who are also involved in that category" [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Despite questions from reporters, Cunningham doubled down on her views, stating, "I said what I said. I think it's kind of common sense. I'll always believe in that" [3, 4, 5, 6].
The controversy drew public defense from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt called the backlash to Cunningham's remarks "ludicrous" and "astonishing," affirming that "men should not be playing in women's sports" [1, 2, 4]. This follows the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision upholding laws in more than two dozen Republican-led states that ban transgender athletes from girls' and women's school sports [1, 2].
Cunningham received further backing from Republican figures including Senator Darline Graham, who praised her courage and common sense. Graham said, "I want to thank Sophie Cunningham for speaking out and make it clear that I could not agree more. What she said took a lot of guts." Public speaker Riley Gaines also commended Cunningham as "the first current high-level female athlete playing in a professional league that has said this" [6, 7].
Not all voices agree. Former Indiana Fever player Brianna Turner criticized the team's culture, accusing the Fever organization of covering up sexual harassment and calling these abuses a bigger threat to the game than transgender athletes. Turner said, "Sexism, misogyny, homophobia, and racism are all issues. Organizations like the Fever are a greater threat to the game than trans athletes." The Fever responded affirming its commitment to a respectful workplace and thorough investigations, but declined to comment on personnel matters involving former employees [8, 6].
Prominent female athletes like Simone Biles have publicly supported transgender inclusion in women's sports, contrasting Cunningham's stance [9].
The Indiana Fever recently defeated the Connecticut Sun 123-88 in a WNBA game where Cunningham continued to stand out [6]. The debate over transgender athletes in sports remains contentious amid ongoing legal and political battles. Cunningham rose to prominence in 2025 with her tenacious play and a viral 22-second stare-down of an opponent [1, 2].
The conversation is expected to continue as more professional athletes and policymakers weigh in on sports eligibility rules and protections for female competitors.
