Sophie Cunningham’s views on safeguarding women’s sports have ignited intense discourse across the WNBA. On Sunday, these debates reached Minnesota, drawing advocates for women’s sports to Target Center. Wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts, they held signs reading messages such as “Pro-Women, Not Anti-Trans” and “Trust the Science.”

Supporters of Cunningham, a Fever player, gathered for the third rally since her public stand against young female athletes facing “biological men.” In contrast, nearby trans activists displayed far less interest in civil disagreement. Video footage captured moments of conflict as counterprotesters shouted through megaphones, used offensive language, and tried to seize XX-XY shirts from Cunningham supporters. One individual wielded a fan with an offensive term over the women’s heads.

An incident turned physical when an activist confronted a supporter, necessitating the intervention of security. Similar tensions followed previous rallies linked to Fever games in Seattle and Portland.

During the initial rally in Seattle, two girls attended the game wearing XX-XY shirts, expressing gratitude through a sign that read, “Thank You Sophie For Speaking Up For Girls.” Allegedly, Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton accosted the girls courtside, resulting in one becoming upset. Consequently, the WNBA fined the Storm and suspended Keaton from attending the next five home games.

The movement persisted with another gathering outside Portland’s Moda Center. Here, trans activists disrupted speakers and confronted attendees. Inside, fans booed Cunningham each time she entered or interacted with the ball.

Prior to the Portland game, Cunningham remained resolute, stating, “I’m here to play basketball, but I’m also here to be me.” She refused to dim her voice despite potential disagreements from others.