ADF sends letter to WNBA after controversies over treatment of Sophie Cunningham supporters

ADF legal counsel Suzanne Beecher told Fox News Digital about the letter her team sent to the WNBA over its handling of fans there to support Sophie Cunningham.

Alliance Defending Freedom, the law firm that recently led two successful Supreme Court challenges to uphold state laws that protect women's sports, has sent a cautionary notice to the WNBA.

ADF sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Friday after separate incidents involving Sophie Cunningham supporters at games in Seattle and Atlanta.

Suzanne Beecher, legal counsel for ADF, told Fox News Digital that free-speech protections at the federal, state and local levels may apply. Citing the possible use of public funds at WNBA facilities, Beecher said "there could even be First Amendment arguments."

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"So there could be cases here," Beecher said.

When asked if she believes civil liberties were infringed upon during the incidents in Atlanta and Seattle, Beecher said, "Absolutely. The fans should be able to go and be respected in voicing their viewpoints."

Fans hold a sign for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during the first half between the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash., on July 28, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

No lawsuit has been filed. However, the organization is calling on the WNBA to establish clearer policies and train league employees and security personnel to enforce them equally.

"The WNBA claims to stand for female athletes, but we’ve seen recent current events undermine that claim," Beecher said. "We have seen just in the past few weeks that there have been two separate incidents