Former ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham on Friday for publicly opposing the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports, saying more female athletes should speak out on the issue.
On Newsmax's "The Record With Greta Van Susteren," Steele said Cunningham's comments had sparked what she called an important national conversation and reflected the views of many Americans.
"What Sophie Cunningham did earlier this week by saying, 'No, this sport is only for women. Trans women, biological men, do not belong in our sport,'" Steele said.
"So, speaking common sense, she stood up. She went against the grain."
Steele said that Cunningham's position aligned with public opinion, arguing that the 2024 election results reflected majority support for that position.
"Even though 80% of Americans in the 2024 election agreed that women's sports are just for women, what she did, and then doubling down, the conversation that it's creating around the league and around the country is essential," Steele said.
Steele said Cunningham's willingness to publicly address the issue distinguished her from other active female athletes, whom she criticized for remaining silent.
"She's making a difference," Steele said. "But I'm sad, Greta, that it took so long for one woman to stand up. Thank God. Great job, Sophie Cunningham."
Steele expressed hope that Cunningham's comments would encourage other athletes to voice similar opinions.
"Maybe other women will now have the courage to do what Sophie did, which is speak the truth," Steele said.
Steele also discussed the broader attention the WNBA has received in recent years, crediting Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark with bringing unprecedented attention to the league.
She said Clark's record-setting collegiate career at Iowa generated television audiences and fan interest unlike anything the WNBA had previously experienced.
"And really, this began to really turn a few years ago when Caitlin Clark came into the league," Steele said. "She brought eyeballs and fans that this league had never seen before because of what she did at Iowa."
Steele said public discussion surrounding Clark and Cunningham has too often centered on issues outside basketball, such as race and politics, rather than their impact on the game.
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