Sophie Cunningham Has a Message for Toronto Fans Who Booed Her

Sophie Cunningham heard the boos in Toronto, but the Indiana Fever guard answered by praising the atmosphere after helping her team leave Canada with a win.

Sophie Cunningham was met with boos during the Indiana Fever’s 101-95 road victory over the Toronto Tempo at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night, but she had a surprisingly positive message for the crowd afterward. Cunningham was jeered when she entered the game and at other points throughout the night as Toronto fans made their feelings clear.

Asked about the reception after the game, Cunningham initially played along with a joke that the boos might have been connected to her reaction to Canadian ketchup chips. She then turned the conversation toward the environment inside the arena, telling reporters she wanted to give Toronto credit for the energy surrounding the game.

“The crowd was absolutely amazing, and I think that’s what sports is all about,” Cunningham said, according to Sportsnet. “You’re going to get boos, you’re going to get cheers.” The 30-year-old also noted that it was her first time in Canada and said the Fever had enjoyed the trip.

The reaction followed weeks of controversy surrounding Cunningham’s comments about transgender athletes in women’s sports. Her stance has drawn both criticism and support around the WNBA, and Toronto fans displayed transgender pride flags and signs during Tuesday’s game while Cunningham was booed during several moments on the court.

Cunningham still delivered an efficient performance in the victory, scoring 13 points while knocking down all three of her three-point attempts. Indiana’s offense was led by Kelsey Mitchell’s 29 points and Caitlin Clark’s 24 as the Fever handed the Tempo their 11th consecutive loss.

For Cunningham, the night ended with a message that kept the focus on the competitive atmosphere rather than the hostility behind the reception. Whether fans are cheering or booing, she made clear that she views that kind of emotion as part of what gives professional sports its edge.