Cheryl Reeve reveals details of pregame conversation with Sophie Cunningham

Cheryl Reeve reveals details of pregame conversation with Sophie Cunningham originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve explained why she appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham before Sunday’s game. Sophie Cunningham received a hostile reception during the Indiana Fever’s road game against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, but one of her most notable interactions came before the opening tip.

Cunningham was seen speaking with Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve at midcourt inside Target Center. The conversation appeared cordial despite their differing perspectives on an issue that has created considerable debate around the WNBA. After Minnesota’s 108-100 victory, Reeve opened up about the exchange and stressed the importance of being willing to have respectful conversations with people who hold different views.

Cheryl Reeve addresses Sophie Cunningham conversation

“I think it’s great,” Reeve said, via Fox 9’s Andrew Dukowitz. “I think both of us understand that we have platforms, and we both talked about more than anything wanting to educate.

“There’s some things we have in common and maybe some things you differ on, just like any issues. I think it’s how you handle things, and so it was nice to be in person for sure.”

Cheryl Reeve on her conversation with Sophie Cunningham pre-game, and the importance of having conversations with people who have different views

“I think it’s great, I think both of us understand that we have platforms and we both talked about more than anything wanting to… pic.twitter.com/f2eyKeMDrR

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) August 2, 2026

Reeve also attracted attention Sunday by wearing a shirt featuring a message that was widely interpreted as a response to Cunningham’s recent comments regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports. Cunningham was booed by the Minnesota crowd throughout the game. She had previously said she wanted to protect opportunities for girls and women while emphasizing that she does not hate transgender people.

The Fever guard later made it clear that she was not walking back her position.

“I said what I said,” Cunningham told reporters before Sunday’s matchup, adding that she would “never falter” in her beliefs. She has also said there is “room to love everyone” despite disagreement over the issue.

Reeve’s comments suggested that neither side expected one private conversation to eliminate every difference between them. Instead, the Minnesota coach focused on the value of discussing those differences directly and responsibly.

MORE: Caitlin Clark and Fever face ultimate test in showdown with WNBA-leading Lynx

Fever’s winning streak ends against Lynx

The pregame exchange became one of the biggest stories surrounding a matchup between the WNBA’s top two scoring teams. Indiana entered Sunday riding a five-game winning streak and had scored more than 100 points in each of those victories. Minnesota, meanwhile, brought a nine-game winning streak and the league’s best record into the matchup.

The Lynx prevailed 108-100, improving to 25-6 and extending their streak to 10 consecutive victories. The Fever dropped to 19-11 after suffering their first loss since July 17. Kelsey Mitchell continued her remarkable offensive run by scoring 37 points for Indiana. Caitlin Clark finished with 19 points and 10 assists, but the Fever could not keep pace with Minnesota down the stretch.

Cunningham played 28 minutes off the bench, finishing with 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. She shot 4-of-6 from the field and made three of her four attempts from beyond the arc.

The Fever and Lynx will meet twice more during the final week of the regular season. Minnesota visits Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22 before Indiana returns to Target Center on Sept. 24. Given the strength of both teams, another postseason meeting could eventually follow. Sunday’s pregame moment also showed that Cunningham and Reeve are willing to speak face-to-face when their differing opinions become part of the larger conversation.

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