While the Indiana Fever continues its fight to climb the WNBA rankings, several stories surround the franchise. However, one of the most compelling ones don’t involve anything on the court, but actually involves the team. Yet, with stars like Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, you’d think the focus would be on them.
Still, Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments about transgender athletes brought attention from fans and those who don’t watch the WNBA, offering opinions that either support or criticize Cunningham. Now, some of the reserve guard’s supporters will launch their next move in the controversy.
Fans of Fever Guard Sophie Cunningham Plan Rally Before Next Game
To this point in the WNBA season, Cunningham has gained fame for a viral moment in which she pointed at opponents. Yet, her comments where she stated her objection to trans athletes grew a firestorm of both criticism and support. FOX’s Jackson Thompson details the latest update.
A second Sophie Cunningham rally has been planned for tomorrow night’s Indiana Fever game in Portland against the Fire, an organizer has told me. https://t.co/0jaSjUmMbn
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) July 30, 2026
“A second Sophie Cunningham rally has been planned for tomorrow night’s Indiana Fever game in Portland against the Fire, an organizer has told me.”
This stems from an ESPN article in which Cunningham was asked about a myriad of topics. One in particular centered around transgender athletes and how she doesn’t want them around women’s sports. Later, the Fever backup doubled down on her thoughts.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense. … I think it’s really important to protect children.”
As with many topics in modern society, Cunningham saw criticism and support, falling along political lines. However, one of the loudest dissenting voices came from inside the WNBA. Celeste Keaton, co-owner of the Seattle Storm, confronted two fans during the game in Seattle. Two fans held up a sign praising Cunningham’s stance. Allegedly, Keaton cursed at the duo. Subsequently, the WNBA suspended her for five home games.
Now, with word that a rally will be held in Portland before the Fever’s game against the Fire, several questions emerge. With the Fever in the hunt to climb the standings, will the controversy surrounding Cunningham be too much of a distraction?
As mentioned, Cunningham does not start, yet she is becoming known for what she says or gestures rather than for her play. While none of this should affect the team’s three best players, will the Fever have to answer questions regarding the issue?
The Fever PR team did issue a statement:
“Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration nor any 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.”
Reporters have tried to get further quotes from Cunningham regarding her statements. Additionally, will the heat around the comments subside, or will this follow the Fever for the rest of the season and beyond?
