In late July 2026, the Portland arena became a flashpoint for the ongoing debate over transgender athletes in women's sports. Demonstrators gathered outside the Moda Center, waving signs that read “Thank you, Sophie,” a nod to 29‑year‑old Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever who publicly opposed trans inclusion. The crowd, about 50 people, also carried golden balloons emblazoned with her jersey number, 8.

Inside, the Fever faced the Portland Fire in a 112-98 victory, extending their record of five consecutive triple‑digit games. Caitlin Clark delivered a 26‑10‑10 triple‑double, while the Fever exploited a 31‑15 turnover advantage. Attendance reached 19,959 in a sold‑out arena, yet chants from the fans echoed Cunningham’s stance, leading to boos as she performed on the court.

After the game, Cunningham addressed reporters, noting she had no ties to the protests but praised free speech. Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx echoed her criticism of the narrative surrounding transgender athletes, while Sherrie Taha of the Women’s Liberation Front salvation voiced her concerns about the issue’s impact on women’s sports.

The controversy also drew voices like Amy Sousa, who organized earlier protest marches, and Inga Thompson, a former Olympic cyclist who highlighted the need for sex‑based testing in athletics.