Protesters clash outside Barclays Center over Sophie Cunningham's transgender sports comments

Rival protests erupted outside Barclays Center Saturday night during a WNBA game, with supporters and opponents of Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes in women's sports clashing before the Liberty-Fever matchup. Around 60 Cunningham supporters gathered, while more than 100 pro-trans rights demonstrators massed nearby, separated by NYPD barricades. The controversy stems from Cunningham's ESPN interview last month where she said she wanted to "protect young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men." One fan, Julie Potter, said her paid scoreboard message referencing anti-trans campaigner Jennifer Sey was pulled before the game. Meanwhile, congressional candidate Vance Bostic advocated for mixed-gender sports, though he acknowledged safety concerns. Cunningham said she remains focused on the game.