Opposing sides of WNBA trans athlete debate converge outside Fever vs. Liberty game in Brooklyn originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Protests surrounding transgender athletes have followed the Indiana Fever on their schedule in recent weeks, a trend that continued Saturday in New York City.
Outside Barclays Center in Brooklyn prior to Fever vs. Liberty, protesters gathered, the latest chapter in the WNBA's ongoing controversy over transgender athlete participation.
Ahead of Saturday's game, Liberty star Breanna Stewart also spoke about the topic, saying she wants WNBA arenas to be a "safe space."
Here's a look at the protests outside Barclays Center on Saturday, what Stewart had to say about the transgender athlete controversy and more.
MORE: How Sophie Cunningham's comments about transgender athletes led to WNBA protests
WNBA trans athlete debate leads to protests outside of Fever-Liberty gameWith the Fever and Liberty set for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off on Saturday, just like the last few weeks of Fever games, protestors met outside of the arena a few hours before the game. There have already been pre-game protests at Fever games in Seattle, Minneapolis, Portland and more.
A large pro-trans crowd has begun to gather in front of Barclays Center ahead of tonight’s game against the Indiana Fever, in front of which anti-trans protesters have planned to demonstrate. Proud of Brooklyn! pic.twitter.com/RpMfOtd01T
— Madisyn Cunningham (@MadisynCunn) August 22, 2026Huge crowd outside of the Barclays Center standing up for women’s sports and Sophie Cunningham. pic.twitter.com/LEBvHuLybZ
— kevin smith (@kevin_smith45) August 22, 2026Happening in front of Barclays Center right now. pic.twitter.com/i9WMtRxxIW
— Khristina (@Khristina) August 22, 2026The rallies outside of Barclays Center grew, primarily with those in support of transgender athletes.
“Get up, get down. We love trans people in this town.”
The pro-trans rally is growing outside Barclays Center before the Liberty host the Fever. pic.twitter.com/lEk0asZOP4
During the protests, someone was also reportedly escorted away by police after yelling "I want to be in the WNBA."
A screeching male who infiltrated a pro-trans rally outside Barclays Center before Fever-Liberty was escorted away by cops.
He was yelling “I want to be in the WNBA.” pic.twitter.com/FVppTaP7qW
Ahead of Liberty vs. Fever on Saturday, Stewart spoke about wanting the WNBA to be an inclusive space for fans and players.
"Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has, and the stunts for attention are just continuing to try and ride the wave that we have," Stewart told reporters on Saturday, per ESPN. "I want Liberty fans and even Indy fans that are going to come here tonight to be able to have this arena be a safe space.
Stewart also said that WNBA fans come to games because "they can feel like they can be themselves in whatever capacity that is, and we don't want to lose sight of that," but added that sparking divisiveness shouldn't be tolerated.
"If we don't allow [free speech], we need to like really kind of go back and look at more things. I think the bigger thing is people are trying to divide us as teams, but also as teammates or as opponents," Stewart said, per ESPN. "This league is incredibly inclusive and what we continue to fight for and stand up against. So we don't want to take that platform away."
MORE: Why Natasha Cloud received backlash for comments about sex toys thrown on courts
What is the WNBA trans athlete debate?In July, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked debate when she took a public stance against transgender women born as biological men playing women's sports in a feature by ESPN's Hallie Grossman. She has continued to back those comments in the weeks since.
Additionally, two former NBA players, Enes Kanter-Freedom and Royce White, fueled the debate by publicly announcing intentions to play in the WNBA.
Since then, the WNBA has been at the center of debates, rallies and protests about whether transgender women -- people assigned male at birth who transition to align with their gender identity -- should be allowed to participate in the league.
MORE:Why Sophie Cunningham doubled down on transgender athlete stance
Why is the Indiana Fever at the center of the WNBA trans athlete debate?The Fever have become synonymous with the situation because Cunningham, who sparked the debate with her public comments, plays for the Fever. The protests have specifically followed her team's matchups, both at home and on the road.
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