Sophie Cunningham Stirs Controversy with Stance on Women’s Sports

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has reignited discussion over women’s sports by strongly defending their integrity. Her focus is on maintaining the foundational principles established by Title IX. Jennifer Sey, founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics, has expressed support for Cunningham’s views, pointing out their alignment with common beliefs and legal frameworks, despite negative media reactions.

The issue of biological men competing in women’s sports has been contentious for years. It has sparked debate from government leaders to everyday individuals. Not every influential female athlete has made their position public. While some have supported the inclusion of male athletes, others have been measured in their responses. Shockingly, many have not been asked about their stance on the issue.

Cunningham stands among a few prominent athletes who advocate for the protection of women’s sports. This has led to questions about the views held by major female athletes, past and present.

Simone Biles

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles addressed the issue in June 2025 during a dispute with Riley Gaines. Biles criticized Gaines’s comments about a Minnesota high school softball team that included a male player. Biles argued that sports organizations should include transgender athletes in women’s sports. After backlash, Biles apologized for her personal remarks against Gaines but maintained her stance on inclusion. She acknowledged the complexity of fairness in sports.

A’ja Wilson

WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson has not publicly addressed transgender participation in women’s sports. Known for promoting equality and inclusion, Wilson has yet to give a public statement on the matter. No media has reported her being directly questioned about her views on the issue.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams, celebrated as one of the greatest female tennis players, hasn’t declared a clear position on male participation in women’s sports. Her 2013 comments on David Letterman’s show highlighted differences between men’s and women’s tennis. While not directly about eligibility rules, her remarks have indirectly supported the need to preserve women’s sports.

Katie Ledecky

Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky has avoided taking sides. Despite swimming being at the center of the debate, Ledecky refrained from commenting on the Lia Thomas controversy. In a 2024 profile by “The New York Times,” she declined to weigh in on the NCAA Title IX lawsuit involving Lia Thomas.

Coco Gauff

Tennis player Coco Gauff has long supported LGBTQ communities but hasn’t spoken on transgender participation in women’s sports. Riley Gaines has called on Gauff to state her opinion on women’s sports exclusivity, with no response forthcoming.

Caitlin Clark

WNBA player Caitlin Clark addressed the issue in a “TIME” interview as Athlete of the Year in 2024. While advocating for equal rights, she did not specifically state whether biological males should compete in women’s sports.

Paige Bueckers

WNBA player Paige Bueckers, known for her advocacy on racial justice and support for LGBTQ communities, has not remarked on transgender participation in women’s sports. She has focused on equality and opportunity but has not addressed fairness in sports participation.

Sabrina Ionescu

WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu has not taken a public position on this matter, although she frequently discusses expanding women’s basketball and opportunities for female athletes.

Sha’Carri Richardson

Track star Sha’Carri Richardson has spoken broadly on inclusion and individuality but not specifically on male athletes in women’s sports. Her silence on this issue contrasts with her willingness to discuss other social topics.

Hilary Knight

Olympic hockey player Hilary Knight has supported transgender inclusion in sports, advocating for a welcoming environment. While she has spoken on international hockey policy changes, she has avoided calling for exclusion of transgender athletes.

The question remains: Who will follow Sophie Cunningham’s lead? Her firm stance is deemed as “common sense” by many. The sports community awaits more voices willing to defend the integrity and exclusivity of women’s sports.