India, July 22 -- Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has publicly addressed her views on transgender participation in women's sports, revisiting a topic that first drew widespread attention during her time with the Phoenix Mercury. In a recent interview, Cunningham reflected on the backlash she faced after sharing a social media post in 2022 about transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. At the time, she clarified that her comments were not directed against transgender people, and she has now reiterated that her stance has been misunderstood.

Cunningham said her focus is on protecting opportunities and spaces for girls and women in sports rather than expressing hostility toward the transgender community. Now one of the WNBA's most recognizable...