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Kim Slusser organized a demonstration outside American Airlines Center in Dallas on Wednesday in advance of a matchup between the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings. The rally, coordinated with Texas Values, a Christian advocacy and policy organization, marked the eighth such event organized to show support for Fever player Sophie Cunningham and her public stance on women’s sports issues.
Slusser, whose daughter Brooke competed for San Jose State University’s volleyball program, delivered remarks at the event detailing her family’s experience. She described how her youngest daughter was required to share team facilities and living quarters with a transgender teammate without disclosure of that teammate’s biological sex, an experience that prompted Brooke to join a lawsuit against the NCAA filed by athlete Riley Gaines in fall 2024.
Speaking to Fox News Digital following the rally, Kim Slusser emphasized Cunningham’s significance to her family and the broader movement. She characterized the professional athlete’s willingness to speak publicly as rare among elite competitors and expressed hope that Cunningham’s advocacy would inspire greater acceptance of common-sense policies protecting female athletes’ opportunities and privacy.
The demonstrations supporting Cunningham have intensified pressure on the WNBA since the first rally in Seattle in July. The league and its players’ union have consistently defended inclusive policies, yet the visible and sustained public support for Cunningham’s position has created considerable friction within the organization and among fan bases throughout the season.
Recent developments related to the rallies include the suspension of a team co-owner, scrutiny of multiple coaches, and an incident where fans wearing XX-XY Athletics apparel were asked to remove their shirts at a Fever-Dream game. Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have also declared for the WNBA Draft, citing support for Cunningham’s stance.
League executives have found themselves navigating unprecedented ideological polarization as the season progresses toward playoffs. The persistent rallies and accompanying media attention have transformed the narrative surrounding the 2024 season, forcing the WNBA to manage both on-court competition and off-court divisions that show no signs of diminishing.
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