Sophie Cunningham Cites Stats in Response to WNBA Transgender Debate

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said Saturday that political narratives surrounding transgender athletes in the WNBA have not distracted her or her team, citing her performance stats as proof. She made the comments before the Fever faced the New York Liberty. Cunningham is averaging 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game on 47.4% shooting, including 44.4% from three-point range in her second season. She holds a primary bench role for the Fever, who have clinched a playoff berth and sit fourth in the league with a 24-13 record. The debate began after Cunningham voiced support for girls' sports safety in an ESPN interview last month, sparking rallies and counterprotests at Fever games. She said she remains focused on the team's playoff push, noting the outside noise is "nothing new" and that she is "dialed in with basketball."