'A Lot of Men Want To Watch Her': Trump Touts Sophie Cunningham's Looks Over Her Points To Boost WNBA Attendance

US President Donald Trump has suggested Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham could boost Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) attendance because of her appearance, saying male spectators would want to watch her play. His comments came during a midterm election rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday, 12 October, as he discussed transgender athletes in women's sport.

Trump addressed former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who was attending the rally, and asked whether he had ever wanted a woman on one of his championship teams. After discussing female kickers, he said he liked Cunningham and suggested a team could attract more male spectators by signing her.

He called the 30-year-old a 'beautiful young woman' and said she would help attendance, 'not to help you with points.' He later joked that politicians risked damaging their careers by describing women as beautiful.

Trump Says Cunningham Could Draw Male Spectators

Trump's comments focused on Cunningham's appearance and potential drawing power. He did not cite ticket-sale figures or other evidence showing that her presence had increased WNBA attendance.

Cunningham appeared to acknowledge the attention in an Instagram Stories post featuring a Bible verse about encouraging and supporting others, according to media reports. She did not directly address Trump's remarks in the reported post.

The comments followed months of attention surrounding Cunningham's views on transgender participation in women's sport, which have drawn support from conservative political figures and criticism from others.

Cunningham's Views on Transgender Athletes

Cunningham attracted national attention in July after discussing transgender athletes in an ESPN interview. She said she wanted to protect women's sport and young girls in locker rooms, while rejecting suggestions that her position meant she hated transgender people.

Her comments prompted both support and criticism, with the debate extending into WNBA arenas, where spectators displayed signs supporting transgender people and messages backing Cunningham.

The White House also highlighted her position. In July, then-press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was following the debate and shared his opposition to transgender women competing in women's sport.

On 30 June, the White House posted a video on X juxtaposing a gesture Cunningham made towards the camera with a similar gesture by Trump. Cunningham has described her political views as 'very much in the middle,' although her stance on transgender athletes has placed her in a wider political and sporting dispute.

On-Court Record and Free Agency

Cunningham averaged 7.9 points per game during the 2026 regular season, her lowest scoring average in five seasons. She made 41.9% of her three-point attempts across 43 appearances for Indiana.

Her points average does not establish her overall value to a team, while her shooting record offers additional context to Trump's comments. There is no evidence presented to show that her presence has increased ticket sales or audience numbers.

Indiana's season ended with a first-round play-off defeat to the Las Vegas Aces, leaving Cunningham to consider her next move as an unrestricted free agent. She has discussed the uncertainty surrounding her future on her podcast, 'No Hesitation.'

The Fever also face decisions over other players, including Kelsey Mitchell, as the team considers its roster for next season. Cunningham's next team has not been confirmed, leaving her future in the WNBA unresolved as attention continues around her public profile.