J.K. Rowling is the latest public figure weighing in on the ongoing conversation surrounding the WNBA.
Earlier this month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced her opinion on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Her comments sparked backlash, with some accusing Cunningham of being transphobic.
This week, Cunningham faced off against the Seattle Storm, where several fans showed up wearing merch and carrying signs signaling they agreed with her stance. Drama unfolded during the game when Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton allegedly directed expletives at the supporters, prompting the league to suspend her for the team’s next five home games.
Naturally, the incident has garnered significant attention online, and now Rowling’s joined the chorus, blasting the “f-cking insane” people she says are “making a mockery” of women’s sports. The controversy is the latest for the WNBA, which is already facing scrutiny after members of Congress sent a public letter over the alleged mistreatment of Caitlin Clark.
These young women are heroines. They’re peacefully protesting against the grotesque unfairness of men playing in women’s sport. The only people who are “f*cking insane” here are those making a mockery of fair sport for women and trying to bully girls like this into silence. https://t.co/ARKp2ruLRa
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 29, 2026
On X, the “Harry Potter” author responded to a video from Brandi Kruse interviewing the two young ladies who were allegedly verbally assaulted by Keaton during the recent Storm/Fever contest.
Rowling, who’s faced backlash over the last several years due to her stance on transgender women, called the Cunningham fans “heroines.”
“They’re peacefully protesting against the grotesque unfairness of men playing in women’s sport,” she wrote. “The only people who are ‘f-cking insane’ here are those making a mockery of fair sport for women and trying to bully girls like this into silence.”
What Did Sophie Cunningham Originally Say About Trans Athletes?
Rowling’s comments come after Cunningham has received both support and backlash after speaking with ESPN about her thoughts on transgender people.
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that,’” she said. “I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
Despite that, Cunningham said she’s “in the middle” when it comes to politics. “I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides. And that’s all I’ve ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume,” she continued.
The Seattle Storm apologized for its co-owner’s actions, according to ESPN, saying its goal as an organization is to provide everyone in attendance with a positive experience.
“Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect,” the statement read.
Cunningham replied to the apology on X and said she believes “there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY.”
“Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind,” she continued.
Cunningham then blasted the co-owner, calling her alleged actions “truly embarrassing” before praising the young women who stood up “for what they believe.”
Sophie Cunningham’s Podcast Co-Host Doesn’t Seem To Agree With Her
@westywilson ♬ original sound – West Wilson
Other public figures have shared their thoughts on the recent debate, including Cunningham’s “Show Me Something” podcast host, West Wilson, according to The Blast.
Wilson made a TikTok and responded to the “borderline non-existent issue” of trans athletes participating in women’s sports, adding that there are “10” trans athletes competing in the NCAA.
According to Wilson, the current discussion is only “isolating” members of the LGBTQ+ community further.
Congress Has Words For WNBA Commissioner
This seems to be just the beginning of the political issues surrounding the league. According to another report from The Blast, a dozen members of Congress wrote to the WNBA’s commissioner and demanded she respond to the alleged mistreatment of Clark.
“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation,” part of the letter read. “If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws.”