WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Gets Major Brand Support

When Sophie Cunningham shared her views on keeping women's sports fair, she knew it might cost her opportunities. Instead, new doors are opening.

The Indiana Fever guard told ESPN this week that she wants to protect young girls in sports and locker rooms. Her honest stance sparked immediate conversation across social media and professional sports.

Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines called Cunningham "the first current high-level female athlete" in a professional league to speak publicly on this issue. Gaines emphasized the courage it takes to share such views while actively competing.

Cunningham clarified her message quickly. "I never once said that I hate trans," she explained to ESPN. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest."

The response surprised many. Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Eric Schmitt publicly supported her stance. White House officials defended her right to speak up. Fellow athletes reached out with messages of encouragement.

Now XX-XY Athletics, a pro-women's sportswear brand, wants to sign Cunningham as a partner. CEO Jennifer Sey called the basketball star "the perfect person for us."

"She's just got such an incredible personality," Sey told Fox News Digital. "She's fun, and she's funny, and she's tough, and she says what she thinks, and that's what we're all about."

The connection started months ago when Cunningham liked and commented on XX-XY Athletics' viral "Dear Nike" ad, which challenged major sportswear companies to take stands on fairness in women's sports. That ad generated over 10 million views.

Cunningham then sent Sey a private message praising the campaign. Sey didn't see it for months because it landed in a filtered folder, but the two eventually connected.

Why This Inspires

Cunningham isn't backing down despite potential backlash. She doubled down on her comments before her next game, posting on social media: "I said what I said."

Gaines believes Cunningham spoke up for the right reasons. "I don't think Sophie is doing or saying what she does because she wants fame," Gaines said. "She said it, and she stood by it because she thinks that's the right and the moral and the just thing to do."

The partnerships and support rolling in show that authentic voices still resonate, even when the message feels risky to share.