Sophie Cunningham has publicly addressed Enes Kanter Freedom’s campaign regarding transgender participation in women’s sports. She stated that she does not wish to be involved in the ongoing debate initiated by the former NBA player. Cunningham’s response highlights her desire to separate her professional focus from the contentious issue surrounding the WNBA draft and its implications for transgender athletes.
In an ESPN interview published Friday, Cunningham said she is leaving Kanter Freedom and Royce White to their own plans while putting her attention on the Indiana Fever. Cunningham, however, says her priority now is finishing this season with Indiana. “I’m gonna let them do them,” Cunningham said. She has said she supports keeping transgender girls and women out of girls’ and women’s sports, while rejecting claims that her view means she hates transgender people.
Her comments come after Kanter Freedom linked himself to Cunningham’s views and was ejected from a Fever- Chicago Sky game last month. “I’m just focused on the Fever and on our sport. I think we have four more games left. I’m trying to just really dial in and keep the main thing the main thing. The Fever guard has been outspoken about transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Kanter Freedom announced in August that he planned to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft, with Royce White later making a similar declaration. The Associated Press reported that both former NBA players were later found ineligible for the draft.
