The internet is buzzing after a Sportico interview outside the Indiana Fever-New York Liberty game revealed that many of Sophie Cunningham's supporters couldn't name more than a couple of WNBA players. But instead of mockery, a wave of fans are jumping to their defense.
The video, shot at Barclays Center on Saturday evening, captured demonstrators on both sides of the transgender athlete debate. When asked to name five WNBA players, several pro-Cunningham protesters came up short.
“I can name Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark, that’s all I’ve got,” one supporter admitted. Another simply said, “No I cannot, I’m sorry.” A third rattled off a few names but stumbled: “Sophie Cunningham, uh, it’s always fun…Caitlin Clark, Reese, A’ja (Wilson)…I said Caitlin Clark.” Most couldn't get past two names.
The clip quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. But rather than embarrassment, many online are rallying behind these fans, arguing that knowing the league's roster isn't a prerequisite for holding a valid opinion.
“So that’s their way of attracting new fans, making fun of them for not being experts??? Not a good move,” one user wrote. Another added, “And? They’re still 100% correct on the transgender issue.” A third chimed in, “Sophie’s supporters know the important thing: that allowing trans athletes would be bad for the WNBA and women’s sports in general.”
The debate comes as Cunningham continues to tout her impact on the league's growing popularity. She recently credited her own controversy for drawing new eyes to the WNBA. “You have a lot of new fans, not only just watching, but coming to games and seeing the environment and seeing the talent,” she told the Associated Press. “I think anytime you can get more eyes on the W, that’s an awesome thing.”
Critics, however, point out that some of these new fans may not be sticking around for the basketball. The viral moment has sparked a larger conversation about whether the league's surge in attention is translating into genuine fandom or just political theater.
Still, supporters of Cunningham's stance argue that the core issue isn't about trivia. “It’s not about naming or even being a fan of WNBA. It’s about basic science. Men don’t belong in women’s sports, period,” one commenter insisted.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham remains a lightning rod, and her supporters are unapologetic—even if they can't name five players on the court.
