Sophie Cunningham trans comments stand after ESPN interview
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham told reporters she stands by her ESPN remarks on trans athletes in women’s sports.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Sophie Cunningham’s trans comments are not being walked back. The Indiana Fever guard told reporters Wednesday that she stands by remarks she made to ESPN about trans athletes in women’s sports, saying she views the issue as a matter of protecting girls.
Cunningham addressed the topic after ESPN asked her about the debate this week. In that interview, according to TMZ Sports, she said she felt a responsibility to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Asked Wednesday to explain her position, Cunningham did not soften it. In video posted on X by reporter James Boyd, she said, “I said what I said,” adding that she considered it “kind of common sense” and that she expected to keep that view.
What did Sophie Cunningham say about trans athletes?
Cunningham said she believes children, including girls in sports, need protection in the debate over trans participation in women’s athletics. She framed her stance as support for what she called biological women, while also saying she does not hate or dislike trans people.
Her comments came as trans participation in women’s and girls’ sports remains one of the most fought-over issues in athletics and politics. The debate centers on whether trans women and girls should be eligible to compete in female categories, with arguments often focused on fairness, inclusion, safety and civil rights.
Cunningham told reporters she is not a political person, according to TMZ Sports, but said she has morals and beliefs and plans to stay consistent with them. She said it was “really important to protect children,” specifically including “little girls” in that statement.
The Fever guard was also asked whether her comments could hurt the trans community. Cunningham said her position was not based on hate, and said she does not “dislike anyone.”
She said there is space to love people and suggested that people can find common ground through conversation. Cunningham also said, according to the video posted by Boyd, that she has “never once” said she hated the trans community.
At the same time, Cunningham repeated that she believes rights for biological women should be protected. She said she would not back away from that belief.
Why are Sophie Cunningham’s comments getting attention?
Cunningham plays for the Indiana Fever, one of the WNBA’s most-watched teams, and her comments landed inside a national debate that reaches far beyond basketball. Statements from current athletes on trans participation often draw quick reaction because the issue involves sports policy, youth athletics and the rights of trans people.
TMZ Sports reported that Cunningham’s ESPN remarks were followed by questions from the media Wednesday, giving her a chance to clarify or change course. Instead, she repeated that she stands by what she said.
No response from the WNBA, the Indiana Fever or ESPN was included in TMZ Sports’ report.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.