WNBA fans wearing t-shirts sporting slogans both for and against trans athlete inclusion incited a security interaction at Sunday's Fever vs Dream game in Atlanta.
During overtime, security staff approached the spectators wearing the t-shirts, subsequently telling them to cover up or leave. However, after reviewing the incident, the WNBA apologized to the fans involved.
WNBA Security Demands Fans Cover Shirts Referencing Trans Athletes
The Fever's road win was minutes from wrapping when the incident occurred.
Throughout the game, the jumbotron broadcast glimpses of fans wearing both pro- and anti-trans athlete shirts. A "Protect Trans Kids" tee flashed on the Jam Cam early, while a "Trans kids belong in sports" shirt aired late in regulation. Fans wearing XX-XY Athletics tops — a brand that opposes trans inclusion in women's sports — also cycled through the crowd shots.
After the game, two fans spoke out — one backing trans inclusion, one opposing it. Both said security handed them Atlanta Dream t-shirts and told them to change or exit State Farm Arena.
The league walked back the security guards' actions the following day.
WNBA Admits Error as Trans Athlete Debate Continues
"The WNBA is aware of interactions at last night's game in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts. This should not have happened," the league said in a statement, adding that fans should be free to wear t-shirts proclaiming both messages.
The Atlanta Dream also denounced its security's actions, distancing itself from the decision.
“The Atlanta Dream believes in creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone,” the team said. “Unfortunately, at last night’s game, WNBA security took actions that fell short of that standard. At no point was Dream personnel involved in the decisions made by WNBA security.”
This latest dust-up arrives as the Indiana Fever continue to field a media storm off the court after guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out against trans inclusion in an ESPN article. Fever games have become rallying points for both sides ever since.
