Sydney Colson criticizes Sophie Cunningham over stance on transgender athletes

Former Indiana Fever player Sydney Colson used her podcast to criticize Sophie Cunningham's comments on transgender women competing in women's sports. Cunningham previously told ESPN that she stood by her position.

CBS Sports reports that the two-time WNBA champion linked her criticism to her former teammate's remarks and to players staying silent on issues affecting colleagues. Colson said she had lost respect for Cunningham and questioned how those positions fit with solidarity within a team.

Cunningham described her views as an effort to protect girls, including in locker rooms and competition. In an ESPN interview, she said young athletes should not compete against people she called biological men. That is the basketball player's stated position rather than an account of the WNBA's current eligibility rules.

Cunningham also rejected accusations that she hated transgender people. She said she wanted to extend love, did not regard herself as an activist and continued to support her earlier comments.

Amid political debate, the WNBA players' association issued an August statement affirming justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. The union, representing more than 200 people, opposed hatred and demonization of any group, including transgender people, and rejected being used as a political instrument.

Colson played 30 games for the Fever in 2025. Cunningham spent two seasons with Indiana after six with the Phoenix Mercury. The dispute concerns the athletes' public comments and their views of team solidarity. The source report does not announce a change in eligibility rules.