WNPBA rejects 'hate, abuse' in trans athlete focus

The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) released a statement on Friday, emphasizing diversity and inclusion while saying the organization "will not be used as political pawns." "We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion," the statement read. "Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women's sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns." Though not mentioned by name, the WNBPA's statement comes 17 days after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's comments about transgender athletes in women's sports were published in a profile on ESPN.com. "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." Cunningham's comments immediately became political fodder. The Department of Education posted a meme on X of Cunningham pointing. President Donald Trump has spoken about the issue, and Vice President J.D. Vance told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that he would encourage Cunningham to "keep speaking her mind." Multiple WNBA players and coaches have come out in support of transgender athletes, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Golden State's Gabby Williams. "I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team," Williams told reporters on Thursday. "Support the players. Support the fans," the WNBPA statement continued. "At games, notify security if you witness hateful, violent, or abusive behavior. Online, report abusive posts and drown out the bots and bad actors. At home, tell your elected officials to strengthen Title IX."