Stewart Seeks 'Safe Space' Amidst Transgender Debate Rallies
Breanna Stewart has long viewed the WNBA as an inclusive haven, a safe space for players and fans alike. Yet the league's recent debates over transgender participation have tested that vision. Stewart, the New York Liberty star, told reporters ahead of Saturday night's game against the Indiana Fever that she wants the arena to remain a safe space, even as the debate sparks rallies on both sides.
"Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has, and the stunts for attention are just continuing to try and ride the wave that we have," 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."
The WNBA and Transgender Players
The WNBA has never had a transgender player. Its collective bargaining agreement states the league is restricted to women, but it contains no specific language regarding gender identity or sex assigned at birth. This gap has fueled recent controversy.
The debate ignited when Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stated in an ESPN profile last month that she opposed transgender girls and women competing in girls' and women's sports. Since then, small rallies have convened outside multiple Fever games, with more planned before the Liberty-Fever matchup in Brooklyn.
Fan Incidents and League Responses
Stewart's comments might be made against a backdrop of fan protests. At least three fans were asked by WNBA security to cover shirts messages regarding transgender women in sports during a recent game in Atlanta between the Dream and the Fever. The league later acknowledged those fans should have been free to wear their shirts.
"They can feel like they can be themselves in whatever capacity that is, and we don't want to lose sight of that," Stewart said about the fans' experience.
Stewart's Stance on Free Speech
Even as she emphasized the inclusive nature of the league, Stewart acknowledged everyone's right to their opinion. She added that division should not be tolerated and that the league's platform should not be diminished.
"If we don't allow [free speech], we need to really kind of go back and look at more things," she said. "I think the bigger thing is people are trying to divide us as teams, but also as teammates or as opponents. 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's allyship may have drawn attention before when she faced backlash over a signature shoe with a Harry Potter theme, to which she responded by donating royalties to The Trevor Project.
Cunningham's Clarification and Focus on Basketball
Sophie Cunningham has become the visible face of the movement to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports and has been the target of both criticism and support. She clarified her continuous stance in a recent interview, stating she wanted "biological men" to be kept out of women's sports and locker rooms.
Supporters gathered outside Brooklyn's Barclays Center before Saturday's game with signs reading "Thank You Sophie" alongside posters declaring "Save Women's Sports." Across the street, a separate pro- transgender demonstration took place.
Amid the noise, Cunningham reiterated her desire to focus on her game. "I think I said what I said… the outside noise is nothing new. It's happened every game, and so I've already kind of stated how I feel about all that. I'm focused on New York tonight," she told reporters.
"We clinched playoffs," she added. "But for me, it's dialing in with basketball, and it's cool that people are using their freedom of speech and doing what they want to do. But that's them, and I'm in my two feet. I'm where I'm at, and so I'm just focused on New York."
Cunningham has reiterated this sentiment, telling an ESPN interviewer, "I'm going to let people just do the speaking for themselves, but for me, I want to get back to basketball. It's always been about basketball."
Game Context
The Indiana Fever have already clinched their playoff berth, becoming the fourth side to do so. They have six games remaining in the regular season. Cunningham is averaging 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, contributing to a team fortified by players like Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston.
Anthem Protests and Jumbotron Messages
Saturday's game at the Barclays Center was politically charged as well. Sophie stood with her hand over her heart during the national anthem, while the Liberty players remained in the locker room, and the starter later put messages on the jumbotron: "Welcome Trans Liberty Fans! You are loved, and you belong!" The team also displayed "Hey trans fans! Glad you're here! Go Liberty!" White House correspondent Alec Lace highlighted the contrast on X, drawing attention to the scene.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the Fever fell to the Liberty, 109-102, in a game that saw the home team come out on top.
"It's cool that people are using their freedom of speech and doing what they want to do," Cunningham said. "But that's them, and I'm in my two feet. I'm where I'm at."