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See the full story · 4 sourcesJul 31, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts to game play against the Portland Fire during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham thrust herself into the headlines over the past few days after she spoke out against transgender women competing in women’s sports. Needless to say, her comments did not go over well with Portland Fire fans.
During Friday night’s game between the Fever and the Fire, Portland fans made their thoughts quite clear as they booed Cunningham and waved trans pride flags throughout the stands.
Cunningham Speaks Out
During a recent interview for an ESPN profile, Cunningham was asked about the “MAGA Barbie” nickname that has followed her in recent months, stemming from assumptions some people have made about her political views.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,’” she told ESPN . “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
A few days later, Cunningham doubled down on this stance.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham said earlier this week . “And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”
Cunningham addressed the issue for a third time in a post on X while responding to a recent incident involving two teenage girls who alleged they were verbally confronted by a Seattle Storm co-owner, who has since been suspended .
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind,” Cunningham wrote in a post on X. “Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from me soon yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner.”
Cunningham was not made available to the media following the team’s win over the Seattle Storm this week, but before Friday night’s game against the Portland Fire, Cunningham made it clear that she has no intention of running or hiding from the criticism she has been receiving.
Portland Sent a Message
While Cunningham has been loud in her opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports, Portland and its fans were pretty loud in opposition to Cunningham.
When Cunningham checked into Friday night’s game, a chorus of boos could be heard throughout the crowd as many fans in attendance waved trans flags in support of the transgender community.
Definitely a reaction in Portland as Sophie Cunningham checks into the game.
Several fans waiving small transgender pride flags as well. pic.twitter.com/5fidVSgjhA
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) August 1, 2026
Additionally, fans could be seen on the video board waving transgender pride flags and LGBTQ pride flags. A same-sex couple was even seen kissing on the camera as a form of protest as the crowd cheered.
Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever are playing at the Portland Fire tonight and the crowd is definitely voicing their thoughts pic.twitter.com/qNZ7sp8gg8
— Brenna Greene (@BrennaGreene_) August 1, 2026
Cunningham made her opinions very clear over the past few days, but so did the city of Portland on Friday night.
The post Portland sent a message to Sophie Cunningham after her trans comments appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions .
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