Sophie Cunningham doubles down ahead of Sun game after ESPN profile stirs controversy: 'I said what I said' - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News, carrying an OutKick report, said Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reaffirmed her position on limiting participation in women’s sports by sex before a Wednesday game against the Connecticut Sun. Asked by WNBA reporters about backlash tied to recent comments highlighted around an ESPN profile, Cunningham said she was not retracting her view and framed it as a matter of protecting girls and women in athletics.

According to the report, Cunningham cited Title IX as central to the creation and preservation of female sports opportunities. She said she does not consider herself highly political but has firm personal beliefs, and argued that protecting women’s categories is compatible with showing respect for others. Fox reported that she rejected the idea that her stance reflects hatred toward transgender people, saying she believes there is space for everyone while maintaining a focus on biological women and girls.

The article also noted that conservative commentator Clay Travis amplified a clip of Cunningham’s remarks on X and praised her comments. Fox said Cunningham dismissed political labeling and backlash, indicating she does not intend to change her position because of criticism.

The issue remains a prominent and divisive debate across U.S. sports, schools and courts, with supporters of sex-based eligibility rules arguing they preserve fairness and opportunities for female athletes, while opponents say such restrictions can discriminate against transgender athletes. Fox’s report centers on Cunningham’s public response and the reaction it generated ahead of the Fever-Sun matchup.