Indiana Fever coach declines to endorse Cunningham’s stance

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White declined to endorse her player Sophie Cunningham's public stance on transgender athletes in women's sports during a press conference on Friday, July 31, 2026, emphasizing inclusion and stating she lacked the scientific expertise to make a definitive statement. The comments came before the Fever's road game against the Portland Fire, as the team navigates a persistent controversy that has sparked protests and fan reactions at multiple arenas.

White was asked directly about her position on biological males competing in women's sports. She responded that she did not believe she was educated enough from a scientific standpoint to offer a sweeping opinion and stressed that she does not believe exclusion is the answer. She also referenced playing with boys in her youth when girls' sports were less available. When pressed on whether she would welcome a male athlete into the WNBA, White reiterated her view that the issue required deeper, more layered conversations and repeated her stance against exclusion.

These remarks contrasted with those of Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has publicly supported restrictions on transgender athletes'...