ADF sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Friday after separate incidents involving Sophie Cunningham supporters at games in Seattle and Atlanta.Suzanne Beecher, legal counsel for ADF, told Fox News Digital that free-speech protections at the federal, state and local levels may apply.Citing the possible use of public funds at WNBA facilities, Beecher said "there could even be First Amendment arguments."TEXAS AG KEN PAXTON SENDS MESSAGE TO WNBA AMID 'CONCERNS' OVER TREATMENT OF SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM SUPPORTERS"So there could be cases here," Beecher said.When asked if she believes civil liberties were infringed upon during the incidents in Atlanta and Seattle, Beecher said, "Absolutely.
The fans should be able to go and be respected in voicing their viewpoints."Fans hold a sign for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during the first half between the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Wash., on July 28, 2026.(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)No lawsuit has been filed.
However, the organization is calling on the WNBA to establish clearer policies and train league employees and security personnel to enforce them equally."The WNBA claims to stand for female athletes, but we’ve seen recent current events undermine that claim," Beecher said."We have seen just in the past few weeks that there have been two separate incidents where fans have been silenced or berated when they tried to peacefully express their viewpoint."The first incident occurred during the Indiana Fever’s July 28 game against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena.Two teenage girls sat courtside wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts and holding signs supporting Cunningham, who had recently spoken out against transgender athletes competing in girls’ and women’s sports.One sign read, "Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls!"Seattle Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton allegedly approached the girls and used profanity while criticizing them.
One of the...