WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Gains High-Profile Support for Stance on Women’s Sports

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and host of “The Riley Gaines Show,” commended Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham on Friday for her willingness to defend women’s sports amid pressure in what Gaines characterized as the most progressive professional league. Gaines highlighted Cunningham as the first active high-level female athlete in a major professional league to take such a public stance on the issue.

Gaines emphasized the difficulty of Cunningham’s position, noting that while opposing biological males in women’s sports may seem straightforward to some, the personal and professional risks faced by an athlete in her position require extraordinary courage. The WNBA player’s comments have generated substantial attention and both support and criticism in recent days.

Earlier this week, Cunningham told ESPN that she aims to extend love while also promoting honesty about protecting young girls in sports environments. She pushed back against characterizations that her position constitutes hostility toward transgender individuals, clarifying that her concerns center on fairness and safety in women’s athletics.

Republican lawmakers including Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Eric Schmitt of Missouri have publicly supported Cunningham’s comments. Additionally, Jennifer Sey, CEO of women’s sportswear brand XX-XY Athletics, announced plans to sign Cunningham to a partnership deal, citing her authenticity and athletic credibility.

Sey revealed that Cunningham engaged with the brand’s “Dear Nike” advertising campaign in October 2024, which challenged the sportswear company to oppose biological males competing in women’s sports. The ad reached more than 10 million views before Sey eventually connected with Cunningham through social media messaging.