IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The WNBA trans athlete discourse continues.
Last week, Sophie Cunningham went viral when she said she was against trans athletes in women’s sports during an interview with ESPN.
“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 Thursday, WNBA star Gabby Williams chimed in on the debate, and she said she supports trans women playing in the league:
“I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team any time. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world. It’s just another way to attack trans people.”
WNBA star Gabby Williams supports trans women playing in the league:
“I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team.” pic.twitter.com/5DKMjXC040
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) August 6, 2026
Williams’ comments received strong reactions from fans.
Said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve never seen an organization more committed to destroying itself than the WNBA. It’s incredible https://t.co/wEJajr51m0
— Ian Miller (@ianmSC) August 6, 2026