Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Calls for Fair Treatment of Sophie Cunningham Supporters at WNBA Games
8/22/2026, 2:30:19 AM
Core Event
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he is “looking at” how the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) handles fans who support Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Paxton attended the Fever’s game against the Dallas Wings at the American Airlines Center, wearing an “XX-XY” shirt with his daughter Mattie. He stopped short of promising formal action.
Background & Context
Cunningham, a 29-year-old guard, has argued that biological men should not compete in women’s sports. Her comments have sparked rallies where supporters wear “XX-XY” apparel. Incidents have been reported at multiple WNBA venues:
- At a Seattle Storm game, two teenage girls holding pro-Cunningham signs were confronted by minority co-owner Celeste Keaton, who allegedly used profanity. The Storm apologized and the league suspended Keaton for five home games.
- During an Atlanta Dream game, a mother and her 17-year-old daughter were instructed by security to cover their “XX-XY” shirts. The WNBA later admitted the request was improper, stating “This should not have happened.”
These episodes prompted Paxton to monitor the league’s response.
Timeline
- July 28 – Confrontation at the Seattle Storm game.
- August 21 – Paxton’s comments reported in a Fox News Digital interview, one day after he attended the Fever-vs-Wings game.
Data & Statistics
- The Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever 91-85 in the game Paxton attended.
- In the May Republican runoff, Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn with roughly 64 % of the vote, positioning him for a U.S. Senate bid.
Official Statements & Responses
*Paxton’s remarks* – He is reviewing the treatment of Cunningham’s supporters and wants to ensure fairness, while reiterating his support for Texas laws that require athletes in public schools and colleges to compete according to biological sex. He praised Cunningham’s “tremendous courage.”
*WNBA response* – The league acknowledged that security should not have asked fans to conceal their shirts, labeling the action a mistake. It suspended Celeste Keaton for five home games and issued an undisclosed fine, emphasizing that fans should be free to wear the shirts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, I think they’re working on it,” — General Ken Paxton, texas GOP attorney
- “'Look, it highlights the crazy insanity of this whole transgender movement,' Paxton said of Kanter and White's campaign.” — General Ken Paxton, texas GOP attorney
Why It Matters
Paxton’s focus on the WNBA aligns with his broader legal campaign to enforce Texas’s sex-based athletic statutes, including lawsuits against the NCAA. By highlighting fan treatment, he reinforces his reputation as a defender of “girls’ sports,” a stance that resonates with his Senate campaign.
What’s Next
Paxton indicated he is “looking at it” but did not outline specific legal steps. The WNBA has not announced further policy changes beyond the recent disciplinary measures. As Paxton pursues a Senate seat, his comments suggest continued scrutiny of the league’s handling of gender-related controversies.
