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The Athletic double down after saying Fever shouldn’t sign Sophie Cunningham

The Athletic has intensified its criticism of WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham, doubling down on its call for the Indiana Fever to distance themselves from the player. The outlet, which previously argued Cunningham’s public stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports creates unnecessary distractions, now frames her supporters as ‘agitators’ who turn games into political spectacles rather than basketball-focused events.

The publication’s latest comments—including a post on X—suggest Cunningham’s presence has turned the Fever into a battleground for broader cultural debates, overshadowing the on-court action during a critical stretch of the WNBA season. Meanwhile, Cunningham’s recent behavior, such as promoting her views at a Mizzou game, has further fueled the perception that she is prioritizing off-court narratives over her role as a player.

The backlash highlights a growing divide between media outlets pushing for a more politically neutral sports environment and athletes who actively engage in public advocacy.

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