The Sophie Cunningham saga has taken the WNBA world by storm, and now it’s gone outside the league entirely.
Former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe criticized Cunningham’s stance against trans athletes in sports and who she seems to be befriending as she rides out the controversy.
At a Fever vs. Lynx game on Aug. 2, Riley Gaines — the former college swimmer who is now an activist against trans participation in women’s sports — snapped a photo with Cunningham.
Gaines, who has been outspoken on trans athletes since tying in a race with Penn trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022, brought a sign to the game that read “Sophie, Thank You – A Girl Mom.”
Gaines’ appearance alongside Cunningham only added fuel to the fire, and Rapinoe shared her thoughts on the interaction along with Cunningham’s views.
“I don’t know Sophie, so I can only project what I see about her beliefs based on her actions,” Rapinoe said. “And seeing a picture of her with Riley Gaines after the game told me everything I need to know about what’s happening.
“Riley Gaines has made it her life’s mission to exclude trans people from public life…Sophie has claimed both to love trans people and support Title IX. And this is where I think the accountability with having a major platform is extremely important.”
Cunningham has insisted that her position doesn’t come from a place of prejudice towards the transgender community, but her stance has ignited a heated debate regardless.
Her remarks in an ESPN profile, where she said she wished to “protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men” has ignited conversations as of late.
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY,” Cunningham posted on X.
While many have been critical of her views, support for Cunningham has stretched beyond athletes.
Several Republican lawmakers have publicly backed her opinion, including Senators Ted Cruz, Eric Schmitt, and Tommy Tuberville and Representative Eli Crane.
