As the Sophie Cunningham controversy continues, Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase‘s defense of inclusivity has drawn backlash from fans and analysts. It has reignited a debate that has split the WNBA between those prioritizing inclusion and those citing fairness concerns. Now Nakase is facing online backlash after her comments.
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The HC made the comments in question in the pre-match press conference before the Golden State took on the Toronto Tempo, when a reporter asked about her thoughts on the Cunningham issue. Nakase drew on her own individual experience to defend inclusivity in sports. Her comments were then clipped and posted to X by Jackson Thompson of FOX News.
“I think just in terms of how I’m seeing it is, if I could answer with, like, for me, sports. Sports is about belonging. It’s about inclusivity. It’s about allowing everyone to be their authentic self. I’m big on that just because I have been criticized for my height, for my ethnicity. I’ve been in those – you shouldn’t belong here – many times, and for me I don’t want that space, especially Golden State, to ever feel like that. So I’m all about women, little girls deserving to play. And that includes trans women. So I’m all about inclusivity.”
Notably, prominent WNBA analyst Jon Root also spoke out against Nakase, and he took to X to post about his discontent with Nakase’s comments. Comments under Thompson’s post of Nakase are mostly negative as well.
Sophie Cunningham’s comments have escalated into a broader political debate, with the matter reaching the steps of the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt even spoke to reporters on the matter, per ABC 7 News.
“Men should not be playing in women’s sports. It’s completely ludicrous that anyone could support that.”
Sophie Cunningham has, however, remained steadfast in her beliefs and has repeatedly defended her stance. While some have criticised her, she has also received massive support from fans, communities and organizations, including a recent rally outside the Target Center in Minnesota.
Cunningham has also called for peace in her recent post on X, after a couple of fans were allegedly involved in an altercation with a Seattle Storm co-owner, Celeste Keaton, who has since been suspended for five games.
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from me soon yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is.”
It looks unlikely that this issue will settle down anytime soon, as both sides remain steadfast in their stance. Fans can only hope that the focus returns to the on-court activities as the Golden State takes on Tempo again in the reverse fixture and the Indiana Fever take on the Las Vegas Aces.