Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham addresses transgender debate amid rising popularity

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham drew large crowds of fans signing autographs before the team’s Aug. 16 game against the Atlanta Dream, as her popularity surged amid a broader debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports. The Fever, who have a 24-12 record and are on a five-game winning streak, rely on Cunningham’s shooting, which ranks second in the league for three-point percentage.

Cunningham told USA TODAY Sports that she wants to use her platform to discuss the issue but also wants attention to return to basketball. > "People are like, 'You have a platform. Use it,' and then once you use it, it's like, 'Go back to playing basketball.' I think the reason why I stated that is because you go into media, and it's not anything even about basketball. I think I could do both," she said.

Fever coach Stephanie White said the team is trying to minimize the controversy and use it to grow both on and off the court. > "For us, it's how do we minimize it, and how do we use it in a way that brings us closer together… to become better basketball players, better human beings, better teammates, better friends, better allies," White explained.

The league distanced itself from a fan subreddit that appeared to restrict discussion of Cunningham, stating it has no affiliation with the forum. After fans were asked by arena security to cover shirts bearing the XX-XY Athletics brand, which supports “women’s sports and spaces,” the WNBA said the request should not have occurred. XX-XY founder Jennifer Sey said the brand’s apparel is non-violent and should be allowed.

Cunningham noted that leadership changes could benefit the WNBA’s evolution, referencing the league’s current commissioner and the possibility of new appointments. > "You do have to have a person in power who is bold, who is confident, who wants the best for the players… that's up to Adam Silver at the end of the day," she said.

The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have both issued statements condemning transphobia and emphasizing a commitment to equity and inclusion, while no transgender player has yet competed in the league.