Sophie Cunningham Supporters, Trans Rights Activists Face Off Outside Liberty Game

The trans athlete controversy Sophie Cunningham thrust back into the spotlight spilled into the streets of Brooklyn Saturday ... with rival demonstrations gathering outside Barclays Center ahead of the Fever\u2019s matchup against the New York Liberty.

A group of about 60 supporters came out in defense of Cunningham, while more than 100 trans-rights advocates rallied nearby. NYPD officers and metal barricades divided the crowds as fans headed into the arena.

The Cunningham-focused rally was organized by Liberty fan Dr. Elizabeth Fedak, following the Fever guard\u2019s recent remarks about transgender participation in women\u2019s sports.

Cunningham kicked off the firestorm when she said she felt compelled to stand up for young girls in sports and locker rooms. But she hasn\u2019t softened her stance since -- telling reporters she believes it is \u201ccommon sense,\u201d while also saying she does not hate or dislike transgender people.

The backlash has stretched well beyond Cunningham. Her Fever teammate, Caitlin Clark, sidestepped questions about the issue earlier this month and said it was not a topic the team was discussing internally.

The WNBA itself has now weighed in, saying there are currently no transgender women playing in the league and no immediate eligibility questions at hand.

As we told you ... Enes Kanter Freedom who has declared for the WNBA next season is heading to the Fever vs. Sky game in Chicago Sunday -- so the controversial debates may not be left behind in New York.

The league also condemned attempts to use the debate to demean or marginalize others, while saying conversations with stakeholders will continue.