Coaches denounce 'Save Women's Sports' rally as pro-trans crowd swarms San Francisco event

Ahead of a matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and the Minnesota Lynx at San Francisco's Chase Center, the head coaches of both teams voiced criticism of the "Save Women's Sports" rally planned outside the venue. Cheryl Reeve said the movement had become a political talking point and reiterated that trans kids belong, urging education on the issue. Natalie Nakase echoed concerns about pervasive hate speech in sports and called for love to lead the conversation.

Outside, a large contingent of pro-trans activists swarmed the rally, outnumbering the women's-sports supporters and chanting in favor of trans rights, while some participants reported being shouted at and told they did not belong. Security personnel told the women's-sports protesters to keep their signs out of the arena but permitted their XX-XY Athletics shirts. The game concluded with the Lynx beating the Valkyries 77-66, solidifying their top position in the standings, and the rally marked the third "Save Women's Sports" demonstration that week, with more planned.