Liberty Savagely Mock Sophie Cunningham Over Transgender Comments

Liberty mocked Sophie Cunningham over her transgender comments after her remarks about transgender athletes playing in girls and women's sports resurfaced. Cunningham told ESPN in March that she had received negative feedback about her stance and insisted she never said she hated trans people. She argued that she wanted to protect young girls in sports while also being honest about her beliefs.

Since the controversy erupted, the WNBA has become a battleground for fans to express support or opposition to transgender rights. The WNBA has reportedly asked fans to cover up pro-XX-XY messages but allowed shirts that read "Protect Trans Kids," sparking outrage on social media. Fans have protested at games, including those in which Cunningham plays, and several WNBA owners and coaches have spoken out against her comments.

In response to Cunningham's stance, the New York Liberty have turned the jumbotron into a platform for mocking her position. Messages on the jumbotron during their recent win over the Fever read, "Hey trans fans! Glad you're here! Go Liberty!" and "Welcome Trans Liberty fans! You are loved and you belong!" The controversy has reignited debates about transgender participation in the WNBA.

Two former NBA players, including Enes Kanter Freedom, have declared for the 2027 WNBA draft, and league team presidents recently discussed eligibility rules for transgender athletes. The current collective bargaining agreement states that only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA, but it does not specify if this means those whose birth sex is female.