Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Jul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Portland Fire during the first half at Moda Center.
The air of tension surrounding the WNBA these days is impossible to ignore, and it only became more uncomfortable after Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham‘s comments regarding transgender athletes in sports.
Cunningham’s comments, which she made during an interview with ESPN, stated that she wants to “protect little girls” from trans athletes in sports. The comments sparked plenty of reaction, including protests both against and in support of her.
In one instance, however, they may have even led to an assault against a Portland Fire fan.
Portland Fire Fans Alleges Assault After Game Against Sophie Cunningham And Fever
A Portland Fire season-ticket holder recently told The Oregonian that they were subject to an assault that included being spat on and facing anti-LGBTQ verbal abuse during a game against Cunningham and the Fever on July 31.
Portland police are now investigating the incident, which took place during the national anthem.
The accuser, speaking under the condition of anonymity, alleges that someone spat on them during the national anthem and shouted “there’s too many lesbians around,” and “set trans on fire.”
Several fans attended the game while waving both Pride and trans support flags, while others held a protest outside of the Moda Center in support of Cunningham and her stance.
Additionally, Cunningham recently had a pregame discussion with Minnesota Lynx and Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve about the matter. Reeve coached the game against Indiana wearing a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt.
“Both of us understand that we have platforms and we both talked about wanting to, more than anything, educate,” Reeve said. “There are some things that we have in common, and maybe some things you differ on, just like any issues. I think it’s how you handle things. It was nice to be in person, for sure.”
Ultimately, whatever side of the discussion you fall on, especially one that is so nuanced, nobody should resort to violence. Hopefully, this does not become a theme at WNBA games in the future,