Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stays at the forefront of WNBA dialogue, yet nothing in the conversation centers on the game. Cunningham, whether she wanted to or not, touched off a firestorm in discourse, where sides are taken, and opinions deepen. Her anti-trans comments found their way into the media outside of the realm of sports.
Now, with aspects of media that are proudly anti-trans, Cunningham became the de facto spokesperson for the movement. While she stated that, in an attempt to backtrack, she just wanted to discuss basketball. Despite this, a prominent figure in the anti-trans community rallied to Cunningham’s aid.
Influencer Riley Gaines Chides WNBA Critics of Sophie Cunningham
Gaines, a former swimmer at the University of Kentucky, carved a niche for herself as an anti-trans activist. During her time in college, she finished fifth in a race against Lia Thomas, a trans woman competitor.
From there, Gaines became active in the movement. As a result, when Cunningham detractors surfaced, Gaines rode to her defense in a discussion with Jennifer Set, CEO of XX/XY Athletics, an apparel company that aligns with the anti-trans movement.
New Ep OUT NOW! pic.twitter.com/CpL8E1smiJ
— The Riley Gaines Show (@RileyGainesShow) August 21, 2026
“Even amidst the chaos and anger and vitriol, and the negativity that’s inevitably come her way, she’s still smiling. And the people who don’t like her, they always seem miserable. ” Gaines stated.
For context, Cunningham makes the majority of her money in athletics. Gaines makes hers as an influencer, ebbing and flowing around anti-transgender. The vitriol that Gaines mentioned adheres to Cunningham, while Gaines can profit from discussing it. The more the debate rages on, the more she can profit.
As mentioned, Cunningham continues to try to distance herself from her comments, not that she doesn’t believe in them, but the ensuing heat she is taking from them could ultimately become a distraction for the Fever.
For a player who doesn’t really start or factor into the scoring aspect of the team, Cunningham made herself famous with her words and gestures.
The Fever remains a legitimate WNBA championship threat. While the team centers around Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, the headlines appear more about their teammate.
In her last five games, Cunningham has averaged 6.6 points in that stretch with personal fouls (11) than field goals made (ten). That includes three games in which she’s scored five points or fewer.
Cunningham’s stance and Gaines’ defense have obscured Mitchell’s season. The veteran paces the Fever, scoring 24.6 points per game. That is second to only presumptive WNBA MVP award winner Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson.
Gaines looks to further her reach and discuss the movement, roping in Cunningham as a de facto spokesperson. Whether the debate becomes a distraction for the Fever remains to be seen.
