The WNBA Tried to Silence XXXY. It Backfired. | The Riley Gaines Show

In a recent episode of The Riley Gaines Show, Riley converses with Jen Sey, the founder of XXXY Athletics. They delve into various topics, including Sophie Cunningham, Caitlin Clark, WNBA fan censorship, the landscape of women’s sports, and the shifting cultural dynamics surrounding the protection of female athletes. The conversation highlights the controversy over fans being instructed to cover up shirts and signs, the emergence of Sophie Cunningham as a vibrant and fearless presence in women’s basketball, and why organizations like the WNBA, Nike, and Dick’s Sporting Goods seem misaligned with public sentiment. They also touch upon sex-based protections in sports, the WTA’s testing policies, and the significance of acknowledging the realities within women’s athletics.

Interestingly, Mother Jones appears eager to present that Jennifer Sey, the founder of XX-XY Athletics, is profiting from her stance. The headlines set the tone before readers even begin, framing Sey as a key figure in the so-called “trans panic” surrounding the WNBA.

In this narrative, those opposing males in women’s sports are frequently labeled as “anti-trans activists” or connected to “MAGA trolls.” Conversely, opponents are portrayed as fearful individuals merely seeking safety, casting the WNBA as a sanctuary under threat.

This isn’t the first time the publication has sought to discredit anyone opposing gender inclusivity in sports. Previously, a Mother Jones investigation scrutinized Riley Gaines, hinting at her as a figure capitalizing on anti-trans sentiments.

Notably, in discussions surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s advocacy for protecting young girls in locker rooms—arguing females should not compete against “biological men”—Mother Jones dismisses this as part of an “anti-trans panic,” responding with claims about the risks faced by transgender individuals rather than engaging directly with Cunningham’s points.

The Research Doesn’t Prove What Mother Jones Claims

While Cunningham emphasizes the need for girls’ safety, Mother Jones mentions research indicating that transgender people are often victims of violence. However, this doesn’t directly respond to Cunningham’s concerns about competition fairness.

Being more susceptible to violence doesn’t clarify whether sex should dictate access to female-only spaces. There seems to be a conflation of victimhood and risk factors with arguments about competitive equity.

Mother Jones refers to a study from 2026 about violence against transgender individuals but simplifies the nuanced findings and glosses over warnings from researchers about generalizations derived from the data.

In discussing hormone therapy, the outlet mentions it can “diminish” athletic performance, yet doesn’t question why that’s the standard to measure performance equity. Hormone therapy doesn’t change an athlete’s sex, so viewing women’s sports simply as an adjusted handicap for those who previously experienced male puberty seems fundamentally flawed.

Even if one accepts Mother Jones’ claims regarding hormone treatment’s effects on performance, the studies also reveal residual competitive advantages that remain after such treatments.

Mother Jones Skipped Key Voices in the Seattle Rally

The publication spends considerable time detailing a rally before a WNBA game, depicting it as a gathering of “anti-trans activists” while intertwining it with the narrative about Sey and XX-XY Athletics. I reached out to Jean Chadbourne, who organized the Seattle rally. She shared that the event emerged after Cunningham’s statements sparked her to take action. It’s worth noting that Chadbourne identifies as a lifelong registered Democrat who has previously worked on issues of reproductive rights.

In portraying this as a MAGA-led movement, the significant role of a Democratic woman in organizing the rally isn’t mentioned. Similarly, the piece implies that XX-XY had substantial influence in the rally, while Sey wasn’t even present, and the participants financed their own travel. Mother Jones missed contacting key figures involved, like Amy Sousa and Brandi Kruse, yet managed to pull together substantial other information.

Ahnaleigh Wilson: A Brand Deal Overshadowing Her Story

Mother Jones describes Ahnaleigh Wilson simply as “a high schooler with an XX-XY brand deal,” which misses much of the context. Wilson became vocal about women’s sports after competing against a male athlete and has expressed her views on fairness since she was just 14. Her engagement in this issue precedes the WNBA controversy.

During a Seattle Storm game, Wilson was confronted by a large figure associated with the team who allegedly used profanity toward her and her peers, leading to disciplinary action against that individual. While Mother Jones conveys this encounter, it fails to offer the depth of emotion or context surrounding Wilson’s experiences, focusing instead on an anonymous transgender fan’s feelings.

Interestingly, Mother Jones never sought direct input from Wilson or her family, despite their active engagement in the conversation. They managed to investigate sponsorship connections yet didn’t ask why Wilson attended the game.

Questionable Conclusions about Profit and Motives

The assertion that Sey is “profiting” is built on her sales figures and projected revenues, yet revenue doesn’t equate to profit—various expenses could mean a company still operates at a loss. Moreover, just because someone generates income doesn’t elucidate their motives.

Certainly, Mother Jones solicits donations repeatedly, suggesting that its own financial incentives don’t clear it from biases when scrutinizing others for making money in similar contexts.

It seems that while it’s valid for various people to profit from causes they believe in, this logic appears conveniently absent when the individuals are tied to the more contentious discussions regarding women’s sports and admission practices. Perhaps, just perhaps, some truly hold their beliefs sincerely without any ulterior motives involved.