The Athletic Urges Indiana Fever to Drop Sophie Cunningham Over 'Combustible' Views on Women's Sports

In an October 6, 2026, column for The Athletic (owned by The New York Times), writer Candace Buckner argued that the Indiana Fever should not re-sign guard Sophie Cunningham when she becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season. Buckner described Cunningham as 'too combustible' and her public comments 'too turbulent' to coexist with superstar Caitlin Clark, claiming the player's stance on transgender athletes in women's sports had turned the team into a 'circus' that overshadowed basketball. Cunningham had publicly stated in July that biological males should not compete against women and girls, a position she defended as protecting young female athletes. The column drew immediate pushback, with Cunningham responding on her 'No Hesitation' podcast by telling critics to 'suck it' and noting that many detractors had never played the sport. Related coverage documented fan rallies supporting Cunningham, a suspension of Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for confronting teenage supporters of the player, and broader WNBA discussions on the issue. Multiple outlets reported the column's focus on Cunningham's comments as a distraction, while noting her on-court contributions as a bench scorer and three-point shooter. Public polling referenced in related reporting has consistently shown majority support for restricting biological males from female categories in sports.