WNBA and Atlanta Dream Criticize Security at Atlanta Arena

The WNBA, along with the Atlanta Dream, has spoken out against security measures at the Atlanta Gateway Center Arena after a mother and her daughter were told to conceal their “XX-XY Athletics” shirts while supporting Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham.

On Sunday, during a WNBA game, the mother and daughter reported that they were compelled to hide their shirts amid ongoing discussions regarding the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports. The mother, Casey, from Georgia, recounted, “In this game, we had our XX-XY shirts hidden. In overtime, they handed us T-shirts and instructed us to leave or cover our shirts. This just happened.” She also mentioned, “We just sat there. I thought about making a sign, but ultimately, I didn’t.”

After significant backlash on social media, a spokesperson for the WNBA addressed the issue on Monday, confirming that the incident was inappropriate. “The WNBA is aware of an interaction during last night’s game where a fan was asked by league security to cover his shirt,” they stated, adding, “This shouldn’t have happened.”

The Atlanta Dream echoed these sentiments in their own statement, emphasizing the importance of a safe and inclusive space for all attendees. They noted, “Unfortunately, at last night’s game, WNBA security acted in ways that fell short of that standard. Dream personnel are not involved in decisions made by WNBA security at any point.”

Sophie Cunningham, who has been vocal about the topic, expressed her support for keeping biological males out of women’s sports in a recent ESPN interview. She remarked, “I’ve received a lot of negative feedback implying that I hate trans people, but I’ve never said that.” She continued, “I think I’m here to spread love, but love must be truthful. Protecting young girls in locker rooms and sports from competing against biological men is important to me.”

Her statements have ignited a considerable response online, leading her to reaffirm her views at a press conference, asserting, “I said what I said. That’s common sense, and I’ll continue to believe that. Protecting children is essential.” She emphasized, “I don’t hate anyone. I’m there to love, but I’m also there to support biological women.”