WNBPA releases scathing statement about ‘political pawns’ in trans athlete controversy

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association said it “will not be used as political pawns” in the controversy over transgender athletes.

The WNBPA released a statement Friday promoting diversity and inclusion in sports after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham rekindled the argument over transgender athletes.

“We embrace justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion,” the WNBPA statement said.

“Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”

While the statement did not mention Cunningham by name, her recent comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports caused uproar in the sports and political worlds.

Cunningham explained that she “never once said that” she hates transgender athletes, but is instead extending love to them through being honest about her opinions on the matter.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks with media before the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

“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 told ESPN in a lengthy interview at the end of July.

Cunningham’s comments were used by the Department of Education, which posted a picture of her after the story was released, and by President Donald Trump.

Vice President J.D. Vance also told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that he encourages Cunningham to continue talking about her beliefs.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stands on the court during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx. AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Cunningham’s also recently took a photo with Riley Gaines, the former college swimmer and current activist against trans participation in women’s sports.

Former United States women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe said Cunningham’s “actions” — including the photo — speak loudly to her.

“I don’t know Sophie, so I can only project what I see about her beliefs based on her actions,” Rapinoe said on her “Why Are You Like This?” podcast. “And seeing a picture of her with Riley Gaines after the game told me everything I need to know about what’s happening.”

Some of Cunningham’s opponents have also spoken out about her comments.

Storm center Stefanie Dolson wore a “trans rights are human rights” shirt when she faced the Fever in late July.

The Valkyries’ Gabby Williams also told Local W that she would welcome trans athletes either on her team or any other around the league.

“I think it’s trans, trans rights, right now, is our new battle,” Williams said. “We see trans people’s rights being stripped away from them; there’s a lot of discourse around trans athletes and what they can compete in.”