Sophie Cunningham calls out WNBA media for non-basketball focus, and talks viral Cheryl Reeve conversation

Former athlete Payton McNabb and columnist Dustin Grage slam Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve for wearing a controversial transgender advocacy shirt during a game. McNabb argues that political displays overshadow female sports achievements. The discussion follows intense clashes between trans activists and supporters of WNBA star Sophie Cunningham outside a Minneapolis arena.

Sophie Cunningham said of the WNBA media "all we ever do is cover everything except basketball," while speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

"The WNBA media, all we ever do is cover everything except basketball," Cunningham said. "You can talk about other things, those are great stories, it shows fans who people (are) outside of the court, but I think we gotta keep the main thing the main thing."

Cunningham's comments come after being at the center of a national media firestorm for weeks, after an ESPN article reported quotes in which she expressed support for the protection of women's sports. Cunningham claimed the interview for that piece happened earlier this year.

WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AFTER SHE SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING WOMEN'S SPORTS

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reacts to game action against the Portland Fire during the first half at Moda Center in Portland, Ore., on July 31, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

"I want to get back to basketball," Cunningham said. "I just want to make sure that the focus stays where it should because people are playing at such a high level."

Cunningham's public stance on the issue has prompted rallies at the Fever's last three games, with two more rallies scheduled for their game in Chicago against the Sky on Saturday, and their game in New York against