Megan Rapinoe Criticizes WNBA Player Sophie Cunningham Over Transgender Comments

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has drawn national attention after stating she wants to protect "young girls" from competing against "biological men" in a recent ESPN profile. She reiterated the view in subsequent interviews and on social media, describing her stance as "common sense" and posing for a photo with anti-trans activist Riley Gaines.

On her "Why Are You Like This?" podcast, US women’s national team legend Megan Rapinoe addressed the controversy. Rapinoe said she does not know Cunningham personally but inferred her beliefs from the photo with Gaines, noting Gaines' affiliation with the Heritage Foundation and efforts to repeal Title IX. Rapinoe emphasized that Cunningham’s claim of supporting both trans people and Title IX creates a conflict that requires accountability for a public platform.

Rapinoe also argued that the prevailing narrative frames the issue as protecting girls from adult men, which she said misrepresents the reality of youth sports. She pointed out that existing policies in elite leagues have long regulated transgender participation and that recent legislative proposals mainly affect children’s sports. "If anyone is taking these talking points as legit or believing they're protecting young girls in sports, I just have to ask, are you serious?" she asked.

The exchange has intensified debate over transgender inclusion in women's athletics, with both criticism and support directed at Cunningham’s comments.