Breanna Stewart Speaks Out as WNBA Transgender Debate Sparks Rallies and Protests
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart says the WNBA must not lose its identity as an inclusive “safe space” as a growing debate over transgender participation in women’s sports brings rallies, protests and intense attention to the league.
The issue has become increasingly visible around recent Indiana Fever games after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly expressed her opposition to transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
Before Saturday night’s matchup between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty, peaceful rallies representing opposing views took place outside the arena, highlighting how the debate has moved beyond social media and into the WNBA’s game-day environment.
Stewart said the situation demonstrates the enormous platform the league now has, but warned against allowing outside controversy to take away from what the WNBA represents.
“Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has,” Stewart said. “I want Liberty fans and even Indy fans that are going to come here tonight to be able to have this arena be a safe space.”
Sophie Cunningham Says More Attention Is Bringing New Fans
Cunningham, meanwhile, said she believes the increased attention surrounding her comments has had a positive effect by introducing more people to the WNBA.
According to Cunningham, the controversy has brought new fans to watch games, experience the atmosphere and see the talent across the league.
She said increased visibility could also inspire young people who may never have previously watched or attended a WNBA game.
WNBA Security Controversy Adds to the Debate
The debate intensified further after at least three fans at a recent Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever game were reportedly asked by WNBA security personnel to cover shirts containing messages about transgender women competing in women’s sports.
The league later said the fans should have been allowed to wear the shirts.
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement states that the league is restricted to women, but it does not include more detailed language specifically addressing gender identity or sex assigned at birth. There has never been an openly transgender woman player in the WNBA.
Stewart Warns Against Division
For Stewart, the larger concern is the possibility that the issue could be used to divide players, teams and fans.
She said fans have historically viewed the WNBA as a place where they can feel comfortable being themselves.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Stewart said, while stressing that attempts to create division among teammates and opponents should not define the league.
“This league is incredibly inclusive and what we continue to fight for and stand up against. So, we don’t want to take that platform away.”
Stewart has long supported the transgender community and LGBTQ+ causes. She previously faced criticism over a Harry Potter-themed signature shoe because of author J.K. Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues.
Stewart later directed royalties from the shoe toward The Trevor Project, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ young people.
As the WNBA continues to grow rapidly in popularity, the debate surrounding transgender participation appears likely to remain a major topic. For Stewart, however, the priority is clear: the league’s arenas should remain places where players and fans feel welcome and safe.
The WNBA may be facing one of its most divisive public debates yet—but Stewart says inclusivity should remain at the heart of what the league represents.