Breanna Stewart wants WNBA arenas to be safe space as transgender debate sparks rallies at games

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart is urging for WNBA arenas to continue serving as inclusive and safe spaces for both players and fans, particularly as the league navigates discussions surrounding the participation of transgender women.

The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement specifies that the league is for women, but it lacks explicit language regarding gender identity or sex assigned at birth. This ambiguity has fueled recent debates, amplified by comments from Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who expressed opposition to transgender girls and women competing in women's sports. These discussions have manifested in small rallies and protests outside games, notably before the Fever faced the Liberty.

Stewart addressed the situation, stating, "Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has and the stunts for attention are just continuing to try and ride the wave that we have." She stressed her desire for "Liberty fans and even Indy fans that are going to come here tonight to be able to have this arena be a safe space."

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Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has and the stunts for attention are just continuing to try and ride the wave that we have. I want Liberty fans and even Indy fans that are going to come here tonight to be able to have this arena be a safe space.

Cunningham, however, viewed the attention generated by her comments as positive, believing it has drawn more fans to the game and increased visibility for the WNBA. "I think anytime you can get more eyes on the W, that's an awesome thing, because then that inspires other young kids that maybe have never seen the game or heard about the game or been to a game, they get that experience," she said.

The league has had to address instances where fans were asked by security to cover shirts with messages about transgender women's participation, later clarifying that fans should have been permitted to wear such attire. Stewart concluded by emphasizing that while everyone is entitled to their opinion, attempts to divide teams and players should not be tolerated, highlighting the importance of allowing free speech.

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You have a lot of new fans, not only just watching, but coming to games and seeing the environment and seeing the talent. I think anytime you can get more eyes on the W, that's an awesome thing, because then that inspires other young kids that maybe have never seen the game or heard about the game or been to a game, they get that experience. So I definitely think that it's been a very positive thing.