Riley Gaines Commends Sophie Cunningham for Stance on Women’s Sports

Riley Gaines praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, calling her courageous for opposing the participation of biological men in women’s sports. Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and host of “The Riley Gaines Show,” highlighted Cunningham as the first active high-level female athlete in a professional league to take this position.

“It’s easy to say men shouldn’t compete in women’s sports, but it’s not easy if you’re in Sophie Cunningham’s position,” stated Gaines, emphasizing the difficulty and courage required to voice such opinions in a league she described as “the most woke.”

Sophie Cunningham doubles down ahead of Sun game after ESPN profile stirs controversy: “I said what I said.”

Earlier, Cunningham shared with ESPN her views on transgender athletes, denying any hatred toward the trans community. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sports who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” she explained.

Since making these statements, Cunningham has received support from several Republican lawmakers and advocates for women’s sports, including Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo). Despite this, Gaines believes Cunningham is not motivated by praise and could potentially face challenges due to her stance. “She stood by her words because she thinks that’s the right and moral thing to do,” Gaines remarked.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reacts after scoring during a WNBA game against the Seattle Storm on May 17, 2026.

Jennifer Sey, CEO of pro-women’s sportswear brand XX-XY Athletics, expressed interest in collaborating with Cunningham, calling her the “perfect person for us.” Sey praised Cunningham not only as a fantastic athlete but also for her personality and conviction. “She’s fun, she’s funny, and she’s tough, and she says what she thinks,” Sey noted.

Sey first connected with Cunningham after XX-XY Athletics released its “Dear Nike” ad in October 2024. The ad, which challenged Nike to oppose biological males in women’s sports, gained over 10 million views. Cunningham liked and praised the ad, later reaching out to Sey with positive comments.

This article includes reporting from Fox News’s Jackson Thompson. Madison Colombo, a writer for Fox News Digital’s Flash, Media, and Culture team, contributed additional content.