Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve have placed themselves on opposite sides of an intense debate surrounding the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports.
Ahead of the Fever-Lynx game on Sunday, the two were seen having an intense, serious conversation.
Sophie Cunningham and Cheryl Reeve Share Intense Conversation Amid Anti-Trans Controversy
Cunningham advocated for the exclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports last month, and her comments led to significant controversy in the WNBA. Lynx head coach Reeve called for “inclusion” in response to Cunningham’s comments, reiterating her support for transgender athletes.
The two were seen having an intense conversation ahead of the Fever-Lynx game on Sunday. A video of their conversation went viral on social media, with the two appearing to have a serious discussion. It is currently unclear what Cunningham and Reeve were discussing.
Big Cheryl talking to S*phie
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— zavanté ✯ (@zavanchy) August 2, 2026
Reeve made a further statement on the issue of trans athletes being allowed to compete in women’s sports on Sunday as she sported a ‘trans kids belong’ shirt during the game. Her controversial statement left the WNBA world divided, with some praising her bold decision and others criticizing her stance.
Meanwhile, Cunningham recently backed her supporters and thanked them for their “bold” and “courageous” rallies for the cause.
“I think it’s people just practicing their rights of freedom of speech and doing what other fans have been doing since the WNBA has started, and so props to them, props to everyone who was able to be confident and be bold and courageous enough to speak their truths,” Cunningham said during a press conference earlier this week.
The Fever star’s supporters organized a rally outside Target Center ahead of Sunday’s game. They had also held rallies ahead of the Fever’s road games against the Seattle Storm and the Portland Fire earlier this week. Similar rallies are planned for the Fever’s upcoming road games as well.
Meanwhile, the Fever and the Lynx played out an engrossing match on the court on Sunday afternoon. Olivia Miles led the way for the Lynx as they claimed a narrow win over the Fever. Caitlin Clark was kept quiet by her high standards, while Cunningham scored 3 points as the Fever’s five-game winning streak was snapped.
