The “Save Women’s Sports” movement has extended beyond Indiana Fever games, with Natalie Nakase chiming in on the subject.
Nakase addressed the movement ahead of Wednesday’s Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries game, offering her thoughts on the polarizing debate.
Natalie Nakase Calls the “Save Women’s Sports” Movement “Hate Speech”
Supporters of the movement organized a rally outside Chase Center ahead of Wednesday’s game. When asked about the display during her pregame presser, Nakase used the term “hate speech” to describe the climate in sports.
“In the world and in sports right now, there’s too much hate that’s going on,” Nakase said. “Too much hate speech. I would highly suggest people lead with love. I love to lead with love.”
Her comments left fans divided, drawing strong reactions on social media. “Worst professional league in the world,” a league observer commented.
Worst professional league in the world. https://t.co/ygyHZO5WV9
— T.J. The Realist (Cheeze) 🏁 (@TJTheRealist) August 20, 2026
“This organization is a complete joke,” another observer added.
“Another [expletive]. Where was this energy from [Natalie Nakase]? Caitlin, Sophie, Lexie, and Cameron when they were getting brutalized because they’re “yt girls?” Why does she hate women? Why doesn’t she want to protect the sport she coaches from men who don’t belong in their space?” An X user opined.
Another moron. Where was this energy from @NatalieNakase Caitlin, Sophie, Lexie, and Cameron when they were getting brutalized because they’re “yt girls?” Why does she hate women? Why doesn’t she want to protect the sport she coaches from men who don’t belong in their space? https://t.co/SNWG6GnjZj
— #Dizz (@TalkMMA) August 20, 2026
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also addressed the rallies outside Chase Center.
“I have said this before: trans kids belong,” Reeve said. “And I think, as we’re seeing sort of politically, in this country, they’ve found a talking point that people are buying into, and the only thing I ask is that people educate themselves further on these issues and what we’re capable of doing together.”
See Also: Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Backs Sophie Cunningham’s Controversial Fight Against Trans Athletes
Another X user shared their thoughts on Nakase’s comments:
“It’s mind-boggling that people expect differently from a person who lives and coaches in Cali. … According to one of the smartest women’s basketball coaches, it is “hate speech” to say men shouldn’t play in women’s sports. It’s safe space theology.”
It’s mind boggling that people expect differently from a person who lives and coaches in Cali. They invented this narrative and baiting.
According to one of the smartest women’s basketball coaches it is “hate speech” to say men shouldn’t plays in women’s sports.
It’s safe space… https://t.co/xyTGhQvNnY
— IDX-Texas (@idxtx_) August 20, 2026
Others were more straightforward with their criticism, saying: “Pathetic idiot.”
Pathetic idiot https://t.co/LbVYh3XPwS
— Mike Herrington (@Herrington8Mike) August 20, 2026
“Too much hate speech? Please. So hypocritical to not stand with true biological women and side with trans women competing against biological women. We have love. Love for biological women to protect them,” another user said.
“So let’s get Enes Kanter and Royce white in the WNBA. Fine by us. There has to be a distinction,” one user wrote.
While Natalie Nakase’s comments have left fans divided, her Golden State Valkyries continue to look like one of the league’s stronger teams this season.
The Valkyries are second with a 25-10 record, already improving on their 23-21 record from their debut season in 2025. They will return to action on Friday to face the Chicago Sky.
