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Fever Stay Silent on Pro-Cunningham Rally — Why?
WNBA Game in Seattle Sparks Rally and Conversation About Transgender Athletes
What Happened at the Game
On Tuesday night, July 29, 2026, the Indiana Fever played the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Fever won 105-95. But the basketball game wasn’t the only thing people were talking about.
Two Fever players—Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark—did not speak to reporters after the game. Usually, players answer questions from journalists after a match. This time, they weren’t made available.
Instead, teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Monique Billings spoke to reporters, along with head coach Stephanie White.
Important Point
The Fever’s public relations team released a statement saying: "Neither our organization nor Sophie had any knowledge of this demonstration and no contact with its organizers. Our only goal as a team, whether at home or away, is to win basketball games and make Fever fans for life, and we are united in that mission."
The Rally Outside the Arena
Before the game, a few dozen people gathered outside Climate Pledge Arena. They were there for two reasons:
- To support Sophie Cunningham after comments she made recently about transgender athletes
- To promote two statewide initiatives in Washington State:
- IL26-638
- IL26-001
What are these initiatives? They are proposed laws that would bar transgender students from participating in girls’ athletics at Washington schools. "Bar" means to prevent or not allow.
Sophie Cunningham’s Comments
Last week, Sophie Cunningham shared her opinion in an ESPN article. She said she supports barring transgender girls and women from playing in girls’ and women’s sports.
When Cunningham checked into Tuesday’s game, Storm fans booed her. They also booed when she tried her first free throws.
Important Point
"Transgender" means someone whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned male at birth who identifies as a girl or woman.
What the Coaches Said
Fever Coach Stephanie White
When a reporter asked White about the rally and Cunningham’s comments, a Fever PR representative stepped in and read the statement (shared above). White did not answer the question directly.
Storm Coach Sonia Raman
After her team’s seventh consecutive loss, Raman was asked about the pregame protest. She said:
"Seattle and this organization and Climate Pledge, we always want to be an area where people feel welcome coming into this building. I think we’ve always done a really good job with that. So, I know our organization was working closely with Climate Pledge and the security just to make sure that everybody feels safe and included and welcome when they walk in this door. From what I understand, that was successful."
Community Reactions
Heather Weiner, a spokesperson for No Hate in Washington State, was at the rally. This group includes:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Anti-domestic violence organizations
- Other community groups
They oppose initiatives 638 and 001. Weiner said:
"Washington State is a very caring, inclusive place. We don’t always agree, but we do agree against hate, and we will come together about that."
Summary
| What Happened | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Game Result | Indiana Fever beat Seattle Storm 105-95 |
| Player Availability | Sophie Cunningham & Caitlin Clark did not speak postgame |
| Pre-Game Rally | Dozens gathered to support Cunningham & promote two anti-trans sports initiatives |
| Cunningham’s Stance | Supports banning transgender girls/women from girls’/women’s sports |
| Fan Reaction | Storm fans booed Cunningham during the game |
| Fever Response | Team said they had no knowledge of or contact with rally organizers |
| Storm Response | Coach emphasized inclusivity and safety at their arena |
| Community Voice | Opposition group called Washington "caring and inclusive" |
FAQ
1. Who is Sophie Cunningham?
Sophie Cunningham is a professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association).
2. What are initiatives IL26-638 and IL26-001?
These are proposed laws in Washington State. If passed, they would prevent transgender students from playing on girls’ sports teams at school.
3. Why were fans booing Sophie Cunningham?
Fans were reacting to her recent public comments supporting a ban on transgender girls and women participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
4. Did the Indiana Fever organize the rally?
No. The Fever’s public relations team stated clearly that neither the organization nor Sophie Cunningham knew about the rally or had contact with the organizers.
5. What does "inclusive" mean in this context?
It means making sure everyone—regardless of their gender identity—feels welcome, safe, and respected at the arena and in the community.
