IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Sophie Cunningham controversy continues to escalate in the WNBA.
Last week, Cunningham went viral when she spoke out against youth trans athletes playing
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,’” she says. “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.”
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve voiced her disagreement with Cunningham’s comments before her team’s game against Cunningham and the Fever on Sunday.
“I come from a space of inclusion. And the narrative that I think that is problematic is to suggest that, number one, that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women’s sports. And I think this is what’s bothersome is that there’s a faction of people in our country that are making this a massive issue.”
On Sunday, Reeve wore a shirt that said “trans kids belong” and appeared to confront Cunningham before the start of the game.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve is wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt during their game against the Indiana Fever and Sophie Cunningham. pic.twitter.com/NcrulHmfGI
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 2, 2026
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve is wearing a “Trans Kids Belong’ T-shirt to protest Sophie Cunningham…
Sophie is getting HEAVILY BOOED every time she touches the ball. pic.twitter.com/duhkYq8uZI
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) August 2, 2026
Big Cheryl talking to S*phie
🎥 hannahmross | Threads pic.twitter.com/4hvrEhLpVL
— zavanté ✯ (@zavanchy) August 2, 2026