💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
The Indiana Fever topped the Seattle Storm 105-95 on Tuesday night, but postgame attention focused on a demonstration held outside Climate Pledge Arena in support of Sophie Cunningham’s recent statements on transgender participation in sports. Cunningham and teammate Caitlin Clark were not made available to reporters following the contest, with the team instead directing questions to Kelsey Mitchell, Monique Billings, and head coach Stephanie White.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the arena to back Cunningham’s endorsement of barring transgender girls and women from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, while simultaneously promoting Washington’s statewide Initiatives 638 and 011 for the same purpose. Cunningham faced audible disapproval from Storm fans when entering the game and during her opening free throw attempts. Her remarks supporting such restrictions appeared in an ESPN article published the previous week.
A Fever public relations representative issued a statement asserting the organization had no advance knowledge of the demonstration and maintained no contact with its organizers. “Our only goal as a team, whether at home or away, is to win basketball games and make Fever fans for life, and we are united in that mission,” the statement read.
Seattle coach Sonia Raman addressed the protest following her team’s seventh consecutive defeat, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to inclusivity at the venue. “Seattle and this organization and Climate Pledge, we always want to be an area where people feel welcome coming into this building,” Raman said, noting security and venue management worked to ensure attendee safety and comfort.
Heather Weiner, a spokesperson for No Hate in Washington State—a coalition opposing the initiatives—characterized the gathering as ultimately constructive. “Washington State is a very caring, inclusive place,” Weiner said. “We don’t always agree, but we do agree against hate, and we will come together about that.”
More Stories
Clark’s 32 Points Lead Fever Past Storm in Seattle Road Victory
Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham Draws Rally and Counterprotest Over Women’s Sports Stance
Draymond Green Re-Signs With Warriors on $27.7M Deal After Golden State’s LeBron James Pursuit Collapses