Sophie Cunningham’s stance that women’s sports should be reserved for biological females has sparked a debate that now stretches well outside the WNBA. The Indiana Fever guard’s comment has evolved into a national conversation, drawing reactions from politicians, celebrities, media personalities, and even people with little connection to basketball.
As the debate continues to overshadow the action on the court, one New York Yankees co-owner believes it’s time for the WNBA to step in and take a definitive stand.
Sophie Cunningham Controversy Sparks Strong Message From Yankees Minority Owner
What began as a debate over transgender athletes competing in women’s sports has followed the Fever, with demonstrations accompanying several of the team’s recent road games.
The protests first gained national attention during Indiana’s visit to Seattle. While the rally outside the arena remained peaceful, Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton reportedly confronted two young Cunningham supporters sitting courtside. One of the girls said she was reduced to tears after Keaton allegedly used expletives during the exchange.
Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder later issued a public apology, prompting the WNBA to suspend Keaton for five home games.
As the Fever traveled to Portland and Minnesota, protests from supporters of the LGBTQ+ community became even more visible, keeping Cunningham’s comments at the center of the national conversation.
On Tuesday, Yankees minority owner Patrick Bet-David argued that the WNBA could end much of the controversy by adopting a policy similar to one recently implemented by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
“The WNBA can stop all the noise by doing exactly what the WTA is doing. Only women can play in the W (Women) NBA. They’re causing too many distractions for players and coaches by not handling it from the top. Till then, they’ll continue to get mocked,” he tweeted.
The @WNBA can stop all the noise by doing exactly what the WTA is doing.
Only women can play in the W (Women) NBA.
They’re causing too many distractions for players and coaches by not handling it from the top.
Till then, they’ll continue to get mocked. https://t.co/vp6ZadOyff
— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) August 4, 2026
Bet-David was referring to the WTA’s July 20 announcement introducing mandatory, one-time genetic sex testing for players.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka publicly supported the new guidelines, saying it was necessary to “keep the fairness in our tour.” The Belarusian star added that allowing biological males to compete in the women’s division would create an uneven playing field, and said she was “happy” the WTA ultimately made the decision.
One day after the WTA’s announcement, Cunningham shared her own views on the debate during an interview with ESPN’s Hallie Grossman.
“I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think that with 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 said.
A few days later, Cunningham reiterated her position, calling it “common sense” that men’s and women’s sports should remain separate.
Since then, Cunningham has gained support from U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, former NCAA swimming champion Riley Gaines, and several other public figures. At the same time, she has faced significant criticism, including from prominent members of the WNBA community.
The debate now reaches well beyond basketball, touching sports, politics, and culture.
Whether or not the WNBA ever adopts a policy similar to the WTA’s, Bet-David believes league leadership can no longer remain on the sidelines. In his view, the longer the issue goes unresolved, the more it will continue to overshadow the game itself.
