WNBA players' union condemns transphobic rhetoric amid recent protests

The Women's National Basketball Players Association posted a declaration on August 7 condemning transphobia, hate and the use of players as political pawns. It urged spectators to alert security at venues, report hostile online posts, and press elected officials to reinforce Title IX. The timing coincides with recent remarks by Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who said she wants to protect young girls in sports, prompting three political rallies in her favor, the latest scheduled outside the United Center before the Fever’s game against the Chicago Sky.

Vice President J.D. Vance told a host at one outlet that Cunningham should keep speaking her mind. The union’s message also alludes to the Trump administration’s Executive Order 14201, which limits transgender participation in sports and curtails related federal protections.