The WNBA is currently embroiled in controversy as Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham advocates that women and girls should not have to compete against males. Cunningham's stance has drawn criticism from WNBA coaches, columnists, and media pundits, who have labeled her comments as "anti-Black" and against transgender people, while also promoting inclusivity in sports.

Amid these heated discussions on social media, former President Donald Trump's 2022 remarks about recruiting NBA star LeBron James to a women's basketball team resurfaced on Tuesday night, August 5, 2026. Trump made the comments during a speech at the America First Policy Institute in July 2022, claiming he would be the greatest women's basketball coach ever because he would ask LeBron James if he had any "desire to be a woman."

Trump said, "I’ll tell you what – I’d be the greatest women’s basketball coach in history. But I’d go up to LeBron James, it doesn’t matter, I’d say, ‘LeBron, did you ever have any desire to be a woman? Because what I’d love you to do is star on my team that I’m building up. Nobody will come within 70 points of this team."

Cunningham, reflecting on the debate, stated on July 22, "I think it’s kind of common sense." She emphasized the importance of protecting children and little girls involved in sports, saying, "I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. So, I stand on what I said and I’ll always believe that."

She also called for open dialogue, stating, "No, we have to change that. We have to make it OK to talk about it."

The ongoing debate highlights tensions within the WNBA and broader sports communities regarding gender identity and competition.

Sources