Sophie Cunningham drew loud boos throughout Tuesday night's matchup. Backed by star guard Caitlin Clark, Cunningham's Indiana Fever side pulled off a 101-95 road win over the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena. However, the reserve player heard jeers each time she checked in.
The disgruntled chants greeted her again at the free-throw line and once more while signing autographs postgame.
Trans Athlete Inclusion Debate Follows Fever's WNBA Road Trip
Inside the arena, fans waved trans pride flags and signs backing transgender inclusion, while outside, a small group of pro-Cunningham demonstrators gathered on the sidewalk.
The split scene traces back to a July 21st ESPN feature in which Cunningham said she wants to "protect young girls in a locker room" who "shouldn't have to go against biological men." Similar rallies have popped up at earlier stops on the Fever's road tour, including in Seattle and Portland. Cunningham stated she's had no part in organizing them.
On the court, the WNBA veteran finished with 13 points off the bench for Indiana. The spark kept the Fever's road streak humming with a fifth straight win.
Sophie Cunningham Reacts to Boos in Canada Game
After the buzzer, Cunningham brushed off the negative reception without addressing its root cause.
"Shout-out to the Tempo crowd in the city. I think we've had so much fun. It's my first time being in Canada," she said. "The crowd was absolutely amazing. I think that's what sports is all about."
The game marked the first time the Toronto Tempo hosted the Fever during its 2026 inaugural season. Despite the noise, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell led the visiting team, extending a league record for most 20-point games by a duo in one season.
