Cunningham Draws Passionate Supporters and Opponents at Portland WNBA Game

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most divisive figures in professional athletics, drawing both fervent supporters and vocal detractors to her games. The polarization was on full display Friday evening in Portland as the Fever faced the Portland Fire, with organized rallies outside the arena and contentious exchanges inside Moda Center between competing factions.

Women’s rights advocacy groups organized a rally ahead of the game featuring dozens of supporters, including former Olympian Inga Thompson and attorney Kara Dansky. The demonstration, part of the “With Love Is Truth” series that began July 28, 2026, was organized by Women Are Real, advocate Amy E. Sousa, and journalist Brandi Kruse. Participants said they were standing in solidarity with Cunningham and female athletes generally.

The Friday rally followed a similar demonstration in Seattle where Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton berated teenage girls wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel supporting Cunningham. Store director Marco Esquivel of Nordstrom was also recorded confronting the supporters. Nordstrom has not issued a public statement regarding the incident, and Keaton faced fines and suspension.

Approximately a dozen counterprotesters, primarily trans advocates, assembled outside the arena to oppose the rally. Sousa characterized Cunningham as “a voice of reason” before being interrupted by protesters. Inside the arena, Cunningham was booed repeatedly during the game, while the Fire organization promoted pride flags throughout the contest.

The next scheduled rally will take place Sunday in Minnesota when the Fever play the Minnesota Lynx.