Ever since her polarizing interview back on July 21 with ESPN, Sophie Cunningham has been the talk of the nation after she said that transgender athletes shouldn’t be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
Cunningham’s comments have made waves both in the sports and political world, with many politicians like US Senator Ted Cruz, who has organized a rally and press conference ahead of the Indiana Fever‘s game against the Dallas Wings on Thursday.
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In support of Cunningham’s advocacy, the Texas Values organization, along with “Moms for Liberty,” “Moms for America,” and more held the press conference outside of the American Airlines Center.
“Texans wanted to keep the ball rolling in supporting Sophie Cunningham and her stance on women’s sports,” said their X account.
Texas Values’ Director of Government Relations, Mary Elizabeth Castle, added, “What better place than Texas, which has passed two laws to protect female athletes and one major law to protect privacy, to rally in support of Sophie. Sophie is right.”
Cruz, who’s been an advocate of barring transgender athletes in women’s sports, also expressed his support for Cunningham by sharing the post and wrote, “Fantastic. Thank you for so ferociously defending women & girls. Sophie is a true American hero.”
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham interacts with young basketball players during a youth basketball camp for students in grades 1-8 at Aletto Family Sports Center in Carmel, Indiana, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The camp gave participants the opportunity to develop their basketball skills through drills, instruction and games while learning from one of the WNBA’s most popular players.
Though Cunningham and the Fever fell to the Wings 91-85 inside the arena, the Fever star would be happy to know that she’s winning the battle off the court.
Sophie Cunningham expresses solidarity with ‘Save Women’s Sports’ activist
With a lot of people showing up during the protests in support of Sophie Cunningham‘s stance against transgender athletes in women’s sports, the Indiana Fever guard doubled down on her support for this movement after she connected with some members of the “Save Women’s Sports” movement.
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Following their loss to the Dallas Wings on Thursday, Cunningham spent time taking pictures and signing autographs with her supporters.
Nov 12, 2025; Belleair, Florida, USA; Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) look on during the Annika Pro-Am golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
A young activist got the chance to have Cunningham sign her poster.
In a video shared by Texas Values on X, Cunningham was seen writing her message on the poster, which said, “Keep being you, we are behind you.”
They expressed their gratitude and responded, “Thank you to @sophaller for signing posters and taking pictures with everyone after the game. Thank you to everyone who attended today’s rally & game. Men do not belong in women’s sports or private spaces.”
She might’ve gone scoreless for the night, which would be a bit disappointing considering that they are chasing home-court advantage for the playoffs; Cunningham would still take this as a win, knowing that she’s not alone in her battles, and so are those she’s fighting for.
