Sophie Cunningham doubles down ahead of Sun game after ESPN profile stirs controversy: 'I said what I said'

Before Wednesday's game against the Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her call to protect women's sports from biological male competitors, brushing aside recent backlash over her comments.

"I think I said what I said. I think it's kind of common sense," Cunningham told reporters when asked to expand on her views.

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"I'll always believe in that. It's really important to protect children, and that's little girls who are also involved in that category."

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For Cunningham, defending women's sports isn't about politics. It's about protecting female athletes.

"I'm not a very political person, but I do have beliefs. I have morals, and I'll always stand on those," she explained.

Indiana Fever superstars Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark are arguably the two most popular players in the WNBA. (NBAE via Getty Images)

She pointed to Title IX as the foundation of women's sports, arguing the law exists to protect opportunities for female athletes. Without those protections, she said, the category loses its purpose.

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Cunningham also rejected the idea that her position stems from bigotry, saying defending women's sports doesn't mean harboring hatred toward anyone else.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham jokes with Max Holloway following UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 11, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

"I extend love, and I don't dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here," she said, adding that she has never expressed hatred toward the trans community.

Her focus, she said, remains on protecting biological women and girls.

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OutKick founder Clay Travis shared the clip on X.

"Love all of this. Well done @sophaller," Travis wrote in part.

He later tagged author J.K. Rowling, writing, "Hey @jk_rowling, want to make sure you see this. Sanity is winning in America."

As for the backlash, Cunningham said she tunes it out.

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"I really don't care," she said regarding the political labels attached to her views. "If I'm gonna live by the love, I'll die by the hate, and that's just not who I am. I beat to my own drum."

Jun 16, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates a made shot in the first half against the Toronto Tempo at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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