White House defends WNBA star Sophie Cunningham after she speaks out in support of protecting women’s sports
Sophie Cunningham inspires young athletes to speak out for protection of girls’ sports
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham’s vocal support for women’s sports was praised by high school athletes Briley Lechner and Ella Frei on Fox News. Lechner describes unfair competition against a biological male, and Frei details his lawsuit over school locker room security. The episode highlights a growing movement for female athlete rights amid national debate.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke out in support of Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham on Thursday after Cunningham spoke publicly about protecting women’s sports from transgender athletes.
“Men should not be playing in women’s sports. It’s completely ridiculous that anyone could support that,” Leavitt told reporters.
“It’s even more ridiculous that Sophie Cunningham, herself a very successful female athlete, has come forward and stated the fact that men should not play in women’s sports. The reaction she has received from Democrats and left-wing figures across the country is astounding. It is clear that they are very out of touch with the American public on this issue, which is also an 80/20 issue. This is common sense.”
SOPHIE CUNINGHAM DOUBLES UP AHEAD OF SUN GAME AFTER LOSING THE DEBATES FOR ESPN PROFILE: ‘I SAID WHAT I SAID’
Cunningham sent shock waves in the ongoing culture war over transgender athletes in the WNBA and women’s sports after explaining her stance on the issue to ESPN on Tuesday.
“I got a lot of negative feedback that I hated trans people. And I said, ‘I never once said that,'” Cunningham said. he said.
“I think I’m here to spread love. But I also think love is truth and honesty. And I want to protect young girls in the locker room or young girls in sports who shouldn’t be pitted against biological males.”
SOPHIE CUNINGHAM MANAGES TO ANGRY BOTH THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT WITH A SIMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POST
An Indianapolis man has been charged with allegedly stalking Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and threatening a Pacers security director who intervened. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Cunningham doubled down on his statement when he spoke to reporters Wednesday ahead of the Fever’s win over the Connecticut Sun.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) plays during the first half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 17, 2026. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
“I think I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” he said.
“I will always believe that. Protecting children is really important and little girls are included in that category… I’m not a very political person, but I have my beliefs. I have moral values and I will always stand by them… I offer my love and I don’t hate anyone. I think there is definitely room for everyone here.”
