‘Truly disgusting’: Sophie Cunningham sparks outrage for anti-trans comments - Yahoo Sports

What the report says

The Comeback reported that Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham drew backlash after comments in an ESPN interview about transgender women in women’s sports. The article, published July 22, 2026, said Cunningham was asked about the “MAGA Barbie” nickname and responded that the label was based on assumptions about her background as a white woman from Missouri.

According to the report, Cunningham said she had received criticism over perceptions that she “hated” transgender people, which she denied. She framed her position as one of “love” and “truth,” while saying she wanted to protect girls in locker rooms and competition from facing what she described as “biological men.” The Comeback also noted that Cunningham described herself as politically “in the middle,” saying she agrees and disagrees with positions on both sides.

The outlet highlighted sharp criticism from fans and media figures on X, including posts accusing Cunningham of targeting vulnerable children and using transphobic language. WNBA reporter Roberta F. Rodrigues was among those cited as criticizing the remarks. Other users questioned whether the league’s “No Space for Hate” messaging should apply to players’ public comments, though the article did not report any action by the WNBA or the Fever.

The controversy matters because debates over transgender participation in sports remain highly polarizing, and comments from prominent athletes can quickly become league-wide flashpoints. The Comeback said Cunningham had generally avoided politics in recent years but described this as her second public stance on a contentious political issue in the same month.