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Jul 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after making a three point shot against the Seattle Storm during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Earlier this week, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham found herself at the center of controversy after speaking out against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. And when she stepped back on the court for the first time since those remarks, one of her opponents appeared to send a pointed message in response.
Before Tuesday night’s matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Seattle Storm, Storm center Stefanie Dolson publicly showed her support for transgender people with a statement that seemed directed at Cunningham.
Cunningham Speaks Out
During an interview with ESPN last week, Cunningham was asked about her political views and the “MAGA Barbie” nickname that has recently been attached to her. While she dismissed the label as a projection based on being a white woman from Missouri, Cunningham also shared her views on the importance of how to “protect women’s sports.”
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,'” she told ESPN. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
A few days later, before Indiana’s game against the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham was asked to elaborate on those comments. Rather than walk them back, she reaffirmed her stance.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham said via The Athletic. “And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”
When asked whether she believed her remarks could be interpreted as derogatory toward transgender athletes, Cunningham said she does not “dislike anyone” and believes there is “room to love everyone.” Even so, she made it clear she was not changing her position.
“But I’m also there to love biological women, and I think that there are rights that need to be protected,” Cunningham continued. “And, like I said, I’m gonna stand true to that. I’ll never falter in my beliefs in that. But I have never once stated that I hated the trans community.”
Opponent Sends Message
Cunningham’s remarks drew significant backlash from fans and media members, and one opposing player made her stance clear before Tuesday night’s game.
The Fever traveled to Seattle on Tuesday, marking Cunningham’s first game since her comments became a major topic of discussion. Prior to tipoff, Storm center Stefanie Dolson appeared to respond with what she chose to wear.
Dolson was spotted wearing a shirt featuring the message “trans rights are human rights,” a statement widely viewed as a direct response to Cunningham.
Ultimately, the Fever defeated the Storm 105-95 on Tuesday night, with Cunningham scoring 11 points with three three-pointers.
Fans Offer Reactions
Needless to say, Dolson’s shirt elicited a lot of reactions on social media.
“StefanieDolson came with a message for Sophie,” one fan wrote in a post on X, adding several clapping emojis.
“Seattle Storm’s StefanieDolson sends a clear message to Sophie Cunningham ahead of their game against the Fever. Standing on business,” another fan added.
“Very intentional shirt, photo & post here with Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever in town…,” a fan commented.
“StefanieDolson had a loud and clear message for Sophie Cunningham before they played each other,” someone else said, adding a fire emoji.
“I know that’s right!!!” another fan added.
“Absolutely incredible,” someone else wrote.
Clearly, she decided to take a stand for trans athletes after Cunningham’s controversial stance.
The post ‘Standing on business’: Opponent sparks reactions with clear message to Sophie Cunningham appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.
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