Protests over transgender athletes flare outside WNBA game in Brooklyn

New York police monitored two opposing groups of fans outside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday before the New York Liberty hosted the Indiana Fever. One crowd displayed trans-rights slogans, flags and handed out shirts reading “trans people belong here,” while the other carried signs such as “save women’s sports” and distributed bracelets.

“All we want to do is celebrate diversity and inclusion, especially because so many of us are Liberty fans and WNBA fans,” said Augie, a participant in the pro-trans group.

“I’m here because this is the WNBA; we’re a progressive league and a safe space for queer people,” added Hannah, a Liberty fan and regular protester.

Opposing demonstrators emphasized concerns about fairness in women’s sports, with one speaker stating, “Men are stronger than women and when they enter women’s sports, sports will change.”

WNBA players also commented on the atmosphere. Liberty forward Breanna Stewart told reporters she hoped the arena would remain a safe space for all fans. The game proceeded with a sold-out crowd of 17,581, and the Liberty defeated the Fever 109-102.

The controversy follows comments by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who argued that young girls should not have to compete against “biological men.” The league has faced criticism for its handling of the issue; Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the WNBA is being used as a “political football” by individuals who do not follow the sport.

Coaches and owners have voiced differing views. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve called for less hate, while Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez said he does not want the debate to distract from the league. The broader discussion occurs amid state legislation in 27 states restricting transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, a policy affecting a small percentage of the population.