Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is asking for the public’s focus to return to the sport of basketball amid the ongoing debate over her remarks regarding transgender athletes. Following a February interview where she expressed her belief that biological men should not compete in girls’ and women’s sports, the WNBA star told WISH-TV News in Indianapolis that the ensuing media attention has become a major distraction from the game itself.
What Did Sophie Cunningham Say About the WNBA Media?
In her recent interview, Cunningham highlighted the positive aspects of the current WNBA season, stating that “basketball is being played at the highest level it’s ever been.” However, she expressed frustration that the media coverage often strays from the sport. She noted, “The WNBA media, all we ever do is cover everything except basketball. It’s like, what are we doing?” While she acknowledged that off-court stories help fans connect with players, she believes the primary focus should remain on the athletic competition, urging everyone to “keep the main thing the main thing.”
Cunningham also expressed her desire to move past the ongoing controversy and shift attention back to the court. “I want to get back to basketball; it’s always been about basketball,” she insisted.
“For me, I want to get back to basketball”
WATCH: #Fever guard Sophie Cunningham on all the “distraction” that has come from a recent article where she voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports. pic.twitter.com/T8hTVoFovi
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 5, 2026
She pointed out that her initial comments about transgender athletes were made months ago when she was directly asked a question during an interview.
“That interview happened in February when I was asked a question. And for me, I just want to make sure the focus stays where it should.”
The distraction Cunningham refers to stems from her previous public stance supporting the exclusion of transgender women from female sports categories. She argued that biological females should not have to compete against biological males. This stance sparked widespread debate, drawing both heavy criticism and vocal support, with some supporters even holding rallies outside arenas during recent games. Despite the surrounding noise, Cunningham is making it clear that she simply wants to go out, do her job, and play the game she loves without the constant off-court drama overshadowing the sport.
