WNBA fans and players stand up to transphobia

The WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” credo was put to the test in two of the biggest cities in the United States.

Black Rosie Media was on the scene in Brooklyn for a rally prior to the start of the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever game on August 22.

At the rally, members of the community came out to show love and support for transgender people at home and abroad. In a league that prides itself on inclusiveness, the fans wanted to make that message loud and clear.

”I’m here because this is the WNBA; we’re a progressive league,” a protester named Hannah told USA Today’s Meghan L. Hall.

“We are and have always been a safe space for queer people, for trans people, for people of color ― for everyone. This is not what the league is about. Transphobia is not what the league is about, and quite frankly, I think the argument that trans people don’t belong in women’s sports is just a gateway to saying trans people don’t belong.”

Trans people have been under attack in the United States for years and are facing renewed attacks from powerful entities. In Chicago, one of the leading voices against transgender people made a scene and disrupted a nationally televised WNBA game in progress.

On August 23, the Fever were on the road to take on the Chicago Sky. Late in the third quarter, Enes Kanter Freedom, attempted to get on to the court and start an incident with Natasha Cloud.

Kanter was swiftly ejected from Wintrust Arena and was called out publicly by Sky owner, Michael Alter. Following the game, the basketball community and Sky organization had Cloud’s back.

“I told her that we all embrace her as someone that protects our team and protects people that need to be protected and so Tash is always going to stand on that, and we stand for Tash,” Sky head coach Tyler Marsh said.

Cloud did not participate in postgame media interviews, but took to Threads and shared a message of love and support for transgender kids and adults.

This situation is far from over and we’ll do our best to keep you informed.

We have to challenge bigotry every time it manifests itself. If we do, we create welcoming, safe spaces.

If we don’t, toxicity and bigotry festers and can destroy the communities we’ve built. It’s up to all of us to keep pushing back and creating a better, safer world for all.

Here’s what you need to know today:

‼️FIBA World Cup Field Guide - Volume I
The WBB Roundup World Cup Field Guide — For Subscribers!

🤕 Azzi Fudd’s season is over.
The Dallas Wings star will be undergoing knee surgery.

🗽 Welcome back, Leonie Fiebich!
Leonie Fiebich is back for the New York Liberty, and not a moment too soon.

💰 Money moves
DeWanna Bonner is searching for a new team.

🗓 Upcoming games
What’s on deck to begin the week.

📰 What we’re reading
Some great writing that’s come across our desks.

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KNEE SURGERY ENDS FUDD'S ROOKIE SEASON. DALLAS SIGNS KITIJA LAKSA AS A REPLACEMENT.

Azzi Fudd’s season is over.

On August 19, it was announced that Fudd will undergo arthroscopic surgery to address soreness in her right knee. Fudd’s last game of the season was on August 5 in a loss to the Washington Mystics. Fudd ended her season leading all rookies in minutes per game and three pointers made per game.

Although it’s sad to see her season end due to injury, Azzi is preparing to get back to the court better than ever.

“I know exactly what comes next: rehab, put in the work, come back ready and better than before,” Fudd said. “Grateful for my family, my circle, and the Wings organization for the support. Thank you for all the messages today. They mean a lot to me.”

To make up for Fudd’s absence, the Wings signed Kitija Laksa to a rest-of-season contract. She will be with the team in the postseason following their 96-78 win over the Portland Fire on August 25. The playoff teams are set. Now, we wait to see the seeding for the eight playoff teams.

Azzi Fudd has room to get better. She had some great moments and established herself as a solid WNBA player and key part of the Wings’ future. Dallas still has a lot of steps to go before becoming contenders, and Fudd taking a leap forward will be key to their plans.

20 POINTS. 33 MINUTES. AND CAITLIN CLARK HAD NO ANSWERS FOR HER.

For the first time since July 3, Leonie Fiebich was on the basketball court. And it didn’t take long to see what the New York Liberty were missing.

Fiebich scored 20 points, grabbed five rebounds, handed out five assists, and collected a steal in 33 minutes of play. Most impressively, she was instrumental in making things challenging on both sides of the court for Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.

Even with Fiebich’s return, the Fever were able to rally from a ten point fourth quarter deficit to tie the game at 100 with under two minutes. However, Fiebich and the Liberty were able to make clutch plays on both sides of the ball to hold off the Fever and pick up a signature victory.

Final score: New York Liberty 109, Indiana Fever 102

Fiebich also confirmed she will play for Germany as they host this year’s FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.

On the latest edition of Gotta Get Up, Erica L. Ayala discussed what things will look like for the team with Leo back as well as the overall atmosphere at Barclays Center this weekend.

With Fiebich back, the Liberty hope to unlock their full potential. Fiebich is one of the best defenders in basketball and has excelled in the playoffs.

As the Liberty fight for playoff positioning, Fiebich could give them the boost they need to return to the WNBA Finals.

DEWANNA BONNER IS BOUGHT OUT. A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER JUST GOT MORE DANGEROUS.

DeWanna Bonner is searching for a new team for the WNBA playoffs.

On August 24, it was announced that Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury reached an agreement to buy Bonner out of her contract. Bonner’s second stint with the team culminated with a trip to the WNBA Finals last season. This year, injuries derailed Phoenix’s chances and led to them missing the playoffs for the first time since 2023.

For Bonner, the decision gives her a chance to win her third WNBA championship. As she leaves Phoenix, she leaves with a feeling of gratitude and appreciation.

"At this stage of my career, I don't know what the future holds, but I'm grateful to the Mercury for giving me the opportunity to play in what could be one of my final postseason opportunities," Bonner said. "The fans, this community and the Mercury organization have embraced me throughout my career, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Where will she go? That’s up in the air as teams jockeying for playoff positioning figure to inquire about her availability. Once Bonner clears waivers, she is free to sign with any team that has interest and a spot available for her.

DeWanna Bonner can still contribute in big moments. She has years of experience and has made a bevy of clutch shots in her career. The question now is where can she go and how will her new team incorporate her into their plans. Time will tell.

Here’s the schedule for the next few days

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