On August 2, fans outside Target Center in Minneapolis gathered to rally for and against Sophie Cunningham after she publicly supported barring transgender girls and women from women’s sports. The Indiana Fever faced the Minnesota Lynx, and the arena filled with signs and T‑shirts reading “Trans kids belong in sports.” Cheryl Reeve wore a light‑blue shirt under her jacket that said “Trans kids belong.”

The rally marked the third straight Fever game to draw such protest, with fans booing Cunningham at her first touch of the game. Outside the arena, a loudspeaker repeated “Protect trans women,” while signs read “Love is truth” and “Thank you Sophie.”

Cunningham said Friday in Portland that she was not concerned the rallies would distract the Fever. She emphasized her love for basketball, her bubbly personality, and her desire to inspire the next generation in a positive light, insisting it doesn’t cross her teammates’ minds.

The incident underscores the broader debate over transgender participation in women’s sports, with supporters and critics meeting on the court and in the stands, reflecting growing national attention to the issue.