Sophie Cunningham has been in talks around the WNBA world in connection with several issues. One of those was also her political affiliation, considering her popular moniker, MAGA Barbie. However, she has clarified her stance, saying that she was not associated with any ideological group. And recently, she made her views clear about another political topic.
After facing years of backlash for her views, Cunningham clarified her stance on transgender women’s inclusion in the league in an interview with ESPN published on Tuesday:
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Republican Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri backed Cunningham’s comment on X:
“Missouri proud.”
Popular Republican activist Riley Gaines, who works for Fox and Outkick, both conservative outlets, earlier backed Cunningham, saying she was the league’s most marketable player, but the league doesn’t support her enough. Cunningham has received widespread attention for her popular finger-pointing gesture at DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury last month.
Tennessee senator also hails Sophie Cunningham’s stance
Even though Sophie Cunningham has declined to be affiliated with any side of the political spectrum, she seems to have found support from a particular section. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican representative from Tennessee, also showed her support for the Fever player on X:
“It is inspiring to see Sophie and so many other female athletes speak out against allowing men to compete in women’s sports.
This is about protecting women’s spaces, fighting for fairness, and keeping girls safe.”
Cunningham also received support from conservative analyst Dan Dakich, who believed she was currently the face of the WNBA, given the level of attention she had been receiving. Her altercation with the Mercury led to the popular finger-pointing moments that were acknowledged across multiple fields.
Caitlin Clark has been a big part of Cunningham’s popularity in the league, as she acts as an enforcer to the Fever superstar, protecting her from opponents trying to test Clark physically. That narrative has immensely helped Cunningham’s image.
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