Smith Criticizes Lynx Coach Reeve’s Trans Rights Shirt as Damaging to WNBA

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith launched a pointed critique of Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve after she wore a “Trans Kids Belong” T-shirt during a recent game against the Indiana Fever. Smith contended that Reeve’s decision prioritized activism over the league’s commercial interests and unity, claiming she showed “no regard for the WNBA” or its sponsors in making the statement.

The shirt appeared during Lynx-Fever matchup featuring Sophie Cunningham, the Fever guard who has publicly advocated for women-only competition in sports. Smith questioned the timing of Reeve’s message, suggesting it was deliberately coordinated to make an impact on one of the league’s prominent regular-season games rather than occurring by chance.

Smith argued that Reeve, as the leader of a women’s basketball team, should prioritize protecting female athletes from competition with trans women. He maintained that opposing trans women in sports competitions does not equate to opposing trans people broadly, urging compassion and practical boundaries to coexist.

Smith highlighted that athletes like Cunningham and activist Riley Gaines have faced public backlash for their positions while coaches like Reeve use their platforms to send opposing messages. He suggested this dynamic undermines those speaking out and risks damaging fan and sponsor support the WNBA requires for growth.