Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve addressed the right of “Save Women’s Sports” demonstrators to protest outside a game against the Indiana Fever. While she supported their right to gather, she disagreed with their views.
Reeve clarified that claims about “biological men” in girls’ locker rooms are unfounded. She emphasized that the portrayal of transgender women as predators is misleading and problematic. Reeve said, “It is not the case that we have ‘biological men’ in girls’ locker rooms.” Her comments came before an event in support of Fever star Sophie Cunningham, who had expressed concerns about transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports.
“I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” Cunningham stated.
The rally, organized by XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey, was planned outside Target Center. Reeve noted her lack of concern for safety issues related to the rally, stating that demonstrators seemed peaceful. She emphasized the right to peaceful assembly, regardless of differing opinions.
Similar protests accompanied the Fever to games in Seattle and Portland. In Seattle, the controversy grew when Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton allegedly cursed at teenage Cunningham supporters. As a result, the WNBA fined Keaton and suspended her from the next five home games.
Reeve urged the WNBA to protect players and fans against discrimination while maintaining the league’s inclusive culture. She highlighted how transgender participation is often exaggerated as a threat to women’s sports. Reeve said, “The narrative that transgender athletes are the biggest problem in women’s sports is problematic.”
She acknowledged complexities arising after puberty and at elite levels, where championships and scholarships are at stake. “Every kid has the right to access,” Reeve reiterated, stressing the need for common ground that ensures inclusion.
Reeve previously encouraged the league to develop a policy on transgender participation. She questioned whether the WNBA would proactively or reactively address such issues. “It would make sense for our league to be leaders in this space,” she added.
The WNBA faces this debate following moves by other sports institutions toward sex-based eligibility. The NCAA restricts women’s competition to biological females, while the International Olympic Committee plans biological eligibility rules starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The Supreme Court upheld state laws protecting female sports, ruling 6-3, confirming Title IX does not mandate states to allow transgender athletes in female competitions.
Reeve remained firm that disparities in facilities, uniforms, and institutional investment are bigger challenges for female athletes, suggesting the need for thoughtful solutions. She stressed, “Exclusion is never the answer, separate isn’t equal, and trans lives matter.”
Reeve shared her perspective before Cunningham publicly addressed the issue. She commented on recent Supreme Court decisions and policies against transgender athletes. Reeve hoped for greater public education and understanding of the matter, reinforcing that trans young people deserve the same opportunities in sports.