Ever since Sophie Cunningham made her stance clear on July 21st, 2026, about not wanting women to play against individuals who were assigned male at birth, rallies have been taking place across the country outside of WNBA arenas during games.
Last night’s rally happened outside of Chase Center in San Francisco during the Golden State Valkyries-Minnesota Lynx game. It featured protesters from both sides, with the side gunning for inclusion of trans athletes in the WNBA outnumbering the rest.
WNBA Fans React To Pro-Trans Activists Outnumbering The Others At Rally
The rally that took place outside of Chase Center had several chants occur throughout its duration. “Trans rights are human rights” drowned out all other chants.
Posters from the pro-trans activists also read, “Exclusion is never the answer.” In the mix were also a few individuals who held posters that read, “Protect girls track.”
The demonstration was aimed at being a ‘Save Women’s Sports’ rally. But it was clear from the video that they were outnumbered by pro-trans activists both in attendance and in vocalizing their beliefs.
“Save Women’s Sports” activists were outnumbered by pro-transgender counter-protesters outside the Chase Center.
It was the first such rally to take place outside of WNBA game without Sophie Cunningham playing, as the movement expanded to the Valkyries vs Lynx game in San… pic.twitter.com/ZlN4tXVOTR
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 20, 2026
The WNBA world on socials erupted in discourse.
“The WNBA has a serious problem at hand, and ignoring it won’t make it go away,” said the platform ‘Outkick.’
The WNBA has a serious problem at hand and ignoring it won’t make it go away https://t.co/f9CRNt8nIY
— OutKick (@Outkick) August 20, 2026
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert hasn’t released any new statements on trans eligibility in the last few days. Unlike leagues such as the WTA or the UCI (they have barred individuals who have gone through male puberty from women’s sports), it’s unclear where they officially stand.
One user disagreed with the pro-trans protesters. They said, “Literally no one is saying trans rights aren’t human rights you weirdos. But a dude smoking girls in girls’ sports isn’t a human right.”
Literally no one is saying trans rights aren’t human rights you weirdos. But a dude smoking girls in girls’ sports isn’t a human right. https://t.co/QENT7RJ9Ly
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) August 20, 2026
“We had a fun time. Lots of quiet support (from unexpected quarters) and lots of loud opposition,” said the ‘WomenAreReal’ account on X.
Another user wrote, “Go women!!!!!! This is the record of our dissent!!! LET WOMEN SPEAK!!!”
Prior to last night’s game, Minnesota’s head coach, Cheryl Reeve, was made aware of the protest that was about to take place.
She said, “I don’t want to give them anymore oxygen than they deserve… trans kids belong. The only thing I ask is that people educate themselves further on these issues and what we’re capable of doing together.”
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve re-addressed the topic of trans athletes in women’s sports as a rally in support of protecting women’s sports is set to take place outside of the Chase Center before tonight’s Valkyries game.
“I have said this before, trans kids belong. And I think, as… pic.twitter.com/OHmmlS5VjV
— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) August 20, 2026
This isn’t the first rally that’s taken place outside of a WNBA game. On July 31, 2026, a demonstration in support of Sophie Cunningham took place outside of Moda Center in Portland during the Fire’s 112-98 loss to the Indiana Fever.
Cunningham addressed this rally at the time and said, “I have honestly had nothing to do with them.”
More rallies like this are likely to take place. With the Playoffs right around the corner, league officials might be forced to issue a statement to ensure the noise surrounding the WNBA remains focused on the postseason.
