Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most divisive players in the WNBA in recent weeks with her comments against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports last month.
After the Indiana Fever’s game against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, Cunningham posed for a picture with two prominent former athletes-turned-activists.
Sophie Cunningham Poses With Riley Gaines, XX-XY Athletics Founder, Amid Anti-Trans Stance
Activism apparel brand XX-XY Athletics organized a rally ahead of the Fever-Lynx game on Sunday, lending its support to Cunningham with the aim of protecting women’s sports. Jennifer Sey, a former gymnast and the founder of the company, posted a picture alongside Cunningham and fellow conservative political activist Riley Gaines after the game.
Sey hinted on social media that their protest could next head to Indiana ahead of the Fever’s next game against the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday.
“Thank you, Sophie Cunningham. We [heart] you and we’re gonna keep showing up for you. Indy next,” she wrote.
Thank you @sophaller
We ❤️ you and we’re gonna keep showing up for you. Indy next… pic.twitter.com/vFmtaNJx0E
— Jennifer Sey (@JenniferSey) August 2, 2026
Gaines was also at Target Center on Sunday to cheer for Cunningham and the Fever. The former swimmer has become one of the biggest activists against the inclusion of trans women in women’s sports and has also received support from President Donald Trump for her cause.
Cunningham also seemingly joined the cause last month with her stance against the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports. The Fever guard also thanked her supporters earlier this week, praising them for their courageous efforts to make their voice heard.
“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 earlier this week.
The comments left the WNBA world divided, with Fever head coach Stephanie White and Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve both calling for inclusion. Amid the heated debate surrounding the issue, Reeve also sported a ‘trans kids belong’ shirt during Sunday’s game.
Fans have held rallies before Fever games all week, spreading their message against the involvement of trans athletes in women’s sports outside arenas in Portland, Seattle, and Minneapolis.
Meanwhile, the Fever suffered a narrow 108-100 loss to the Lynx on Sunday, ending their five-game winning streak. The defeat saw the Fever slip to fifth in the WNBA standings, with the Lynx in first.
Cunningham came off the bench and played 23 minutes for the Fever, scoring 3 points, 2 assists, and 1 rebound.
