Sophie Cunningham urges WNBA coverage to stay on-court as rallies intensify

Sophie Cunningham expressed frustration with WNBA media, saying the coverage often sidesteps basketball in favor of other stories, and urged a refocus on the sport itself. Her remarks come after one outlet's article cited her support for safeguarding women’s sports, sparking a wave of rallies at Indiana Fever games. Fans have organized demonstrations at the Fever’s recent contests and plan additional ones for the Chicago Sky game on Saturday and the New York Liberty game on Aug. 22.

During the latest matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, Cunningham engaged in a candid conversation with Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who was wearing a “trans kids belong” shirt, emphasizing mutual respect despite differing viewpoints. Star guard Caitlin Clark declined to comment on the rallies, noting that such discussions belong to leagues and governing bodies, not the locker room. At a subsequent game against the Portland Fire, a reporter’s question about Cunningham led to players leaving the podium and the press conference being cut short. The Fever now look ahead to a crucial showdown with the Las Vegas Aces before the next rally in Chicago.