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WNBA games and controversies

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The gist

WNBA security asked fans to cover shirts on transgender sports at two games. League says it shouldn't have happened, fueling debate over Sophie Cunningham's stance.

Background

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly opposed transgender women competing in women's sports, sparking national debate. During games in Seattle and Atlanta, fans wearing shirts related to this issue were asked by WNBA security to cover them, leading to league apologies and a letter from the ADF.

How it unfolded

  1. Jul 28, 2026At a Fever-Storm game in Seattle, a fan wearing a shirt supporting restrictions on women's sports was asked to cover it, leading to a fine and ban.
  2. Aug 16, 2026At a Fever-Dream game in Atlanta, at least three fans were asked to cover shirts with messages about transgender participation in women's sports.
  3. Aug 17, 2026The WNBA issued a statement saying the Atlanta incident 'should not have happened.'
  4. Aug 19, 2026The WNBA distanced itself from an r/WNBA subreddit that appeared to ban mention of Cunningham's name.
  5. Aug 21, 2026ADF sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert over the treatment of Sophie Cunningham supporters.
  6. Aug 23, 2026Enes Kanter Freedom planned to attend the Fever-Sky game in Chicago amid the controversy.

Who’s saying what

League
The WNBA said fans should not have been asked to cover their shirts and that it 'strongly denounces bad-faith efforts to demean or marginalize others.'
ADF
ADF legal counsel Suzanne Beecher said fans were 'silenced or berated' for peacefully expressing viewpoints, citing possible First Amendment issues.
Support
Sophie Cunningham has maintained her stance, saying she wants to 'protect young girls' against 'biological men,' and has not backed off despite criticism.
Caution
Critics accuse Enes Kanter Freedom of mocking the trans community, though he denies this and frames his actions as support for women.

Still unverified

Enes Kanter Freedom's attendance at the Fever-Sky game was reported by TMZ, but it was unclear if the WNBA, Fever, or Sky were aware of his plans.

Sources

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