Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham praised by JD Vance for ‘Save Women’s Sports’ stance

By Liam Tremblay — 6 August 2026 — 3 min read

Vance praises Cunningham’s courage

Vice President JD Vance has publicly commended Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham for her activism regarding women’s sports. During an interview, Vance stated that Cunningham’s courage in speaking out on the issue is inspiring. He encouraged her to continue expressing her views, noting that such actions can inspire many others despite criticism.

Vance emphasized that the country needs courageous individuals to speak their minds. He suggested that courage is contagious, and when one person takes a stand, it can motivate others to do the same. His remarks come as Cunningham has garnered both new followers and critics for her public position on the protection of women’s sports.

Fever navigate off-court discussions

Sophie Cunningham’s stance on trans athletes in women’s sports has brought national attention to the WNBA, particularly impacting the Indiana Fever. Rallies have taken place at the Fever’s recent games, with additional rallies planned for their upcoming matchups against the Chicago Sky on Saturday and the New York Liberty on August 22. These events have drawn the entire league into the broader debate, with four coaches reportedly making statements on the issue since the rallies began.

Despite these off-court distractions, the Indiana Fever have maintained a strong performance on the court. Since July 1, the team has achieved a 9-3 record, including a 5-2 record during two recent road trips. Their five-game winning streak concluded with a 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on August 2. The Fever are now preparing for a game against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, followed by their weekend game against the Sky, where another rally in support of Cunningham is expected.

Cunningham herself has acknowledged the ongoing distractions, noting that an interview filmed in February initiated the current debate. She expressed a desire for media to focus more on basketball, stating that the team aims to keep “the main thing, the main thing.” She also mentioned a pregame conversation with coach Cheryl Reeve, where they discussed their differing viewpoints with mutual respect.

Team’s focus on basketball amidst challenges

The Indiana Fever have demonstrated resilience in managing the continuous off-court attention. The team’s scoring average of 96.5 points per game is on track to surpass the previous single-season league record of 93.9 points set by the Phoenix Mercury in 2010. Players like Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston are reportedly having career-best seasons, with Cunningham suggesting they should be considered MVP candidates. Cunningham herself is shooting 48.2% from the field and 45.2% on 3-pointers, both career highs.

The team attributes its success to experience in handling external pressures. Cunningham reflected on her previous years in the WNBA playing alongside prominent players, noting that the current level of attention is significantly higher. Head coach Stephanie White believes that navigating these challenges together has strengthened the team’s character and unity, particularly during road trips. The team remains focused on winning games and improving their defence.

The Fever are accustomed to constant scrutiny, with Cunningham stating that “all eyes are on you 24-7” when joining the team. She reiterated her desire to return the focus to basketball, emphasizing that the sport has always been the central aspect.

Source: foxnews.com