Fans clash over Sophie Cunningham's stance at WNBA game in Portland

Ahead of the Indiana Fever’s visit to the Portland Fire, activists from Women Are Real and allied groups assembled outside the Moda Center to show solidarity with Sophie Cunningham, who has spoken out for female-only sports categories. The rally featured former Olympian Inga Thompson, attorney Kara Dansky and other local supporters. Inside the arena, Cunningham faced constant boos each time she touched the ball, while trans-rights flags and inclusive displays were prominently promoted by the home crowd.

The tension echoed a prior episode in Seattle, where co-owner Celeste Keaton and a Nordstrom manager confronted teenage supporters of Cunningham. The controversy highlights the growing divide over gender inclusion policies in the WNBA, with another rally planned for the Fever’s game in Minnesota.