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WNBA All-Star Weekend fuels trans‑athlete debate

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2026-07-26 02:21 UTC → 2026-07-26 03:06 UTC · added removed

The 2026 WNBA All‑Star Weekend unfolded in Chicago on July 24‑25, featuring the AT&T featured a dramatic All‑Star Game (Team Coop vs. Team Spoon) and Game, a revamped Shooting Stars showcase that paired Hall‑of‑Fame legends Lauren Jackson, Elena Delle Donne, Rebekkah Brunson and Deanna Nolan with current players competition and high‑school prospects. Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd, the league’s No. 1 overall draft pick, became the first rookie to win the State Farm WNBA All‑Star Azzi Fudd’s historic 3‑Point Contest, scoring 30 points in the final round and hitting 20 of 26 attempts. She defeated Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton, who posted 19 points, and earned a $60,000 prize—$20,000 from the league and $40,000 from Aflac and the WNBPA. After the win Contest win, which she challenged celebrated by challenging Stephen Curry to a future shooting showdown, and a viral celebration clip spread widely on social media. Fudd also helped Team Washington (Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin, Jezelle “GG” Banks) capture the Shooting Stars title. Curry. Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at visited the Obama Presidential Center, meeting all 22 All‑Stars before practice event and highlighting highlighted rookie Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during the Changemaker Day program. Day. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s Adidas “Crazy Energy” sneaker sold out within hours, while her remarks that transgender women Cunningham sparked a nationwide backlash after saying biological males should not compete sparked a social‑media backlash. The controversy drew a defense from Martina Navratilova and, days later, in women’s sports, arguing the stance protects girls and preserves the integrity of female athletics. Her comments were defended by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly expressed solidarity with Cunningham, citing President Donald Trump’s Leavitt, who echoed the administration’s view that men should not compete play in women’s sports and framing the issue sports. Cunningham later clarified she does not hate transgender people, describing her position as common‑sense “common‑sense” protection for girls. Independent advocate Payton McNabb also weighed in, arguing that criticism of Clark stemmed The remarks drew praise from her identity rather than performance. conservative politicians and commentators such as Riley Gaines and Stephen A. Smith, while other voices argued the issue is being politicized. The controversy has amplified broader debates over Title IX, transgender inclusion, and the politicisation of women’s athletics.

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  1. 2026-07-26 03:06 UTC WNBA All-Star Weekend fuels trans‑athlete debate
  2. 2026-07-26 02:21 UTC WNBA All-Star Weekend fuels trans‑athlete debate

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