To say Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has seen her popularity rise as of late would be an understatement.
Cunningham, who already plays for the most talked-about and scrutinized squad in the WNBA because of the polarizing Catilin Clark, has been featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, earned her own signature colorway on a sneaker, and even appeared in the octagon as a UFC ring girl.
Cunningham has recently used her platform to argue against trans athletes playing in women’s sports, which has created a number of different reactions.
WNBA World Reacts to Storm Co-Owner Reportedly Cussing Out Teenage Girls over Sophie Cunningham’s Anti-Trans Stance
Cunningham recently let it be known what she thought of trans women playing in women’s sports. Cunningham said she wanted to “protect women’s sports,” and soon doubled down on that claim.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham said via the New York Times. “And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”
After Cunningham explained she meant what she said, she got feedback from both sides of the political aisle.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham explained. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Cunningham has been criticized for recently keeping the company of those who have been accused of crimes against women, as of late, with that sort of attitude.
However, there are plenty supporting her stance, including two young girls, who brought a sign that said “Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls” to the Fever’s 105-95 victory over the Storm on Tuesday night.
According to the girls, Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton approached them and did not mince words. They said they were cheering for both teams and were “respectful.” They were both wearing shirts that said XX and XY, which shows an anti-trans stance as well.
The girls claimed that they were told “Jesus loves everyone” and said she hoped Jesus could forgive them for their sins, calling them “insane” as well, while using a certain curse in front of them.
The WNBA world reacted.
One user was not happy with the Storm. “Real class act by seattle storm, disgusting,” the post read.
Real class act by seattle storm – disgusting. https://t.co/7RIHE9fddQ
— RB (@RBtw33ts) July 29, 2026
Tyrone T. agreed. “Oh, that’s a nice look,” he said. “A team owner cursing out teenage girls for wearing a tshirt. Way to be “safe and welcoming.”
Oh that’s a nice look. A team owner cursing out teenage girls for wearing a tshirt. Way to be “safe and welcoming,” @seattlestorm. https://t.co/QSz73aY8hX
— TyroneT (@aVeryGoodTyrone) July 29, 2026
Another user echoed their statements. “Disgraceful!” they exclaimed. “Celeste Keaton owes these girls an apology!”
Disgraceful!
Celeste Keaton owes these girls an apology! https://t.co/RVZxAUarln— CondoKat (@CondoKat) July 29, 2026
One fan wants Keaton out of the league. “@NBA @WNBA You guys officially got yourself another full blown scandal,” they wrote on X. “Let’s get this owner out of the league folks… This is unacceptable.”
@NBA @WNBA You guys officially got yourself another full blown scandal. Let’s get this owner out of the league folks… This is unacceptable. https://t.co/KfNUc0GqIR
— Rhodes Rants (@rhodesrants) July 29, 2026
Of course, this is all from the girls’ perspective, and we haven’t heard the other side, so we’ll have to wait until all of the facts are out. Still, it shows just how powerful the voice of someone like Cunningham can be.
