Sophie Cunningham remains defiant amid WNBA controversy

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Sophie Cunningham remains defiant amid WNBA controversy

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 24, 2026 12:45 AM ET

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham grabbed headlines again on Wednesday after she came out with a controversial statement about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham said, via ESPN. “I think that I am here to extend love. 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.”

This is a very sensitive subject in America, which is why it comes as no surprise that the 29-year-old has stirred all sorts of reactions to her statements.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham against the Dallas Wings.

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham shares post amid controversy

Cunningham took to social media on Thursday. She did not address her highly polarizing comments. Instead, she shared photos of herself posing for the camera during a recent tunnel walk.

Her caption said it all.

“I said what I said

” wrtoe the 6-foot-1 guard.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sophie Cunningham (@sophie_cham)

Cunningham is clearly not backing down despite all the backlash she’s faced over her stance. At the same time, however, the Fever star has also received a lot of support for what she said.

As for her basketball, Cunningham is coming off an eight-point performance for Indiana. She came off the bench to play 21 minutes, helping the Fever secure a 123-88 blowout win over the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday.

Cunningham and Co. have a few days off for the WNBA All-Star break. The Fever will return to action on Tuesday for a home matchup against the Seattle Storm.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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