Major Networks Largely Avoid Coverage of WNBA Transgender Sports Debate Sparked by Sophie Cunningham

During an August 8 segment on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the network highlighted the Women’s National Basketball Association with on-air talent Rachel Scott asking ESPN’s Holly Rowe about pressing issues facing the league. The conversation shifted sharply hours later when Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham was struck in the face during a layup attempt, an incident that followed Chicago Sky player DiJonai Carrington’s ejection from the game.

Cunningham has drawn controversy for publicly advocating that women’s basketball remain exclusively for women, particularly after an ESPN profile in which she opposed transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Carrington’s ejection and subsequent comments blaming the decision on “White privilege” elevated the incident into a broader cultural conversation that major broadcast networks largely declined to cover.

CBS emerged as the primary outlet addressing the controversy. On July 29, CBS Evening News fill-in anchor Matt Gutman reported that the Seattle Storm suspended co-owner Celeste Keaton for remarks directed at supporters of Cunningham’s position. Reporter Jan Crawford noted that Cunningham, known for defending teammate Caitlin Clark, became the first active professional female athlete to publicly oppose transgender women in women’s sports.

Crawford quoted Cunningham stating her position plainly: “I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense.” When asked if her remarks could sound “anti-transgender,” Cunningham responded, “I have never once said I hated the trans community. Like I said, I think there’s space for everyone.”

CBS returned to the story on August 10, reporting that former NBA players had declared intentions to identify as women and enter the WNBA draft. The coverage noted that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced a task force of team executives would examine “transgender participation” in the league.

NPR’s August 15 “Weekend Edition Saturday” briefly acknowledged the Cunningham controversy during a sports roundup. Co-host Eyder Peralta noted the league had never had a known transgender athlete, while ex-ESPN reporter Michele Steele characterized the debate as “off-the-court noise” competing with on-court performance stories.

The WNBA issued a statement denouncing what it called “bad-faith efforts” to use transgender participation policy as a means to “demean and marginalize others.” On August 20, the Associated Press quoted Commissioner Engelbert expressing frustration that the league had become a focal point for political figures and commentators with limited investment in women’s basketball.