Sophie Cunningham plays through boos in first WNBA game in Canada

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham received a sustained chorus of boos during her first WNBA game in Canada on Tuesday night, but she responded with a strong performance and a public message embracing the passionate atmosphere. Cunningham and the Fever secured a 101-95 victory over the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena, improving their season record.

The hostile reception from a crowd of approximately 19,300 stemmed from Cunningham's recent public comments advocating to limit women's sports participation to athletes assigned female at birth. Her stance has made her a polarizing figure, drawing both support and criticism. The debate had followed her to Toronto, with fans displaying transgender pride flags and signs with messages such as "Transphobes don't belong in women's sports." About a dozen demonstrators supporting Cunningham also gathered outside the arena before the game.

Cunningham was loudly booed when she checked into the game and during other key moments, including free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter. Despite the reception, she delivered one of her stronger performances of the season, finishing with 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists.