Sophie Cunningham booed in Toronto, pro-women billboard truck fined outside arena

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was booed by fans outside and inside Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday ahead of the team’s game against the Toronto Tempe.

Prior to the game, protesters gathered outside the arena waving Pride flags and wearing shirts that read “Trans Kids Matter.” Cunningham was repeatedly booed during the game when she took possession of the ball.

Despite it being a home game for Toronto, the Fever had a significant number of supporters in attendance. According to CTV News, many fans were wearing jerseys featuring Caitlin Clark, Cunningham’s fellow Fever player and one of the biggest stars in the WNBA.

Cunningham addressed the atmosphere during her postgame press conference, applauding the crowd despite the reception she received.

“The crowd was absolutely amazing. I think that’s what sports is all about. You’re going to get boos and you’re going to get cheers,” she said.

Cunningham has continued to face backlash from members of the WNBA community after speaking publicly in defense of women’s sports. She had vocally opposed biological males who identify as women from competing in women’s sports.

The game also drew controversy outside the arena after Toronto police reportedly fined a billboard truck operated by Rebel News that displayed a pro-women message. According to Rebel News, the outlet parked the truck outside the WNBA game with a screen displaying a public service announcement featuring tennis stars Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova discussing physical advantages that male athletes have over women.

Rebel News reported that police ordered the video be turned off and issued the driver two $615 tickets, which the outlet claimed were specifically related to the content of the advertisement.

“That’s not the law. That’s censorship. And it’s a clear vendetta against Rebel News driven by an extremist pro-transgender ideology that prioritises men over women and girls in sport,” Rebel News said.