WNBA apologizes after security asks fans to cover shirts regarding transgender debate

The WNBA and the Atlanta Dream have issued statements acknowledging that league security mishandled an incident during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever. Security personnel reportedly approached several spectators and instructed them to cover their clothing or face removal from the arena.

The spectators involved were wearing shirts related to the ongoing debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. This included fans wearing ‘XX-XY Athletics’ apparel, which advocates for biological sex-based eligibility, as well as at least one fan wearing a ‘Protect Trans Rights’ shirt.

The WNBA stated that the interaction ‘should not have happened,’ while the Atlanta Dream clarified that team personnel were not involved in the decision and that the security actions ‘fell short’ of the organization’s standards for an inclusive environment. The incident follows recent public comments by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham regarding the protection of women’s sports.