Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has been at the center of controversy for weeks because of comments she made to ESPN about transgender athletes playing in girls and women’s sports. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men.” Since her remarks resurfaced, the WNBA has turned into a public forum for fans to either publicly support or oppose transgender rights.
Recently, the WNBA has reportedly been asking fans to cover up shirts with pro-XX-XY messages but allowing fans to wear shirts that read: “Protect Trans Kids,” which has caused quite the stir on social media. Fans have started protesting — on both sides — at games, especially ones Cunningham plays in, and multiple WNBA owners and coaches have spoken out against what Cunningham said. WNBA teams are now sending their own message on the situation, and the New York Liberty are the latest to pounce on an opportunity to troll Cunningham.
During Saturday’s 109-102 win over the Fever, the Liberty posted multiple messages on their jumbotron mocking Cunningham’s transgender stance. Go Liberty!” one message said, while another read: “Welcome Trans Liberty fans! You are loved and you belong!” In the aftermath of Cunningham’s remarks, transgender participation in the WNBA has become a hot-button issue.
Two former NBA players, including Enes Kanter Freedom, have declared for the 2027 WNBA draft. The league’s team presidents even recently met to discuss the WNBA eligibility rules for transgender athletes. The current CBA states “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but it doesn’t specify if that means players whose birth sex is female.
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