Megan Rapinoe Blasts WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Over Polarizing Photo With Anti-Trans Activist At Game [VIDEO]
Megan Rapinoe slams Sophie Cunningham over anti-trans sports controversy.
Sophie Cunningham has voiced support for barring transgender women and girls from female-designated sports categories. She stated that biological males should not compete against biological females or share female locker rooms.
Cunningham described her position as “common sense” intended to protect young female athletes. Her remarks ignited a heated national debate, drawing criticism from advocates and some WNBA figures.
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve even wore a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt in response to her comments.
The Intense WNBA Backlash For Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Recently, former United States soccer star Megan Rapinoe publicly criticized Sophie Cunningham.
During a high-profile basketball matchup in Minnesota, an activist snapped a photo with the athlete. Specifically, the notable player recognized across the league, Sophie Cunningham, generated immense online backlash by posing alongside Riley Gaines.
Why Megan Rapinoe Rebuked Cunningham
USA’s forward #15 Megan Rapinoe warms up prior to the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between Sweden and USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne on August 6, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
Previously, the basketball player expressed specific concerns about locker room access and physical equity in sports. To counter those claims, Rapinoe insisted that using a major platform requires strict public accountability.
“Seeing a picture told me everything I need to know,” Rapinoe explicitly stated. Additionally, she argued that the activist works directly to exclude specific groups from public life.
“Riley Gaines has made it her life’s mission to exclude trans people from public life…Sophie has claimed both to love trans people and support Title IX. And this is where I think the accountability with having a major platform is extremely important.”
While the soccer icon remains firmly opposed, several political lawmakers continue to back the player.
Sophie Cunningham has insisted that her position doesn’t come from a place of prejudice towards the transgender community.
In the 2026 WNBA regular season with the Indiana Fever, Sophie Cunningham has played 30 games. She is averaging 23.2 minutes, 9.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from three-point range.
