Jul 18, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in the second half against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesIndiana Fever reserve guard Sophie Cunningham is averaging less than 10 points on the season, but has still managed to become one of the most popular players in the WNBA. Most recently, Cunningham has received a massive amount of support, as well as backlash, for her comments on transgender girls competing in sports with other girls.I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And Im like, I never once said that,' Cunningham, who some fans have dubbed MAGA Barbie, said. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldnt have to go against biological men.After her comments caught fire on social media, Cunningham doubled down on them.I said what I said. I think its kind of common sense, she responded. And I think Ill always believe in that. I think its really important to protect children, and thats little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.After her comments, Cunninghams shoe with Adidas completely sold out, and she took to X to share her gratitude.You guys really showed up! nothing but genuine love for yall, she posted.you guys really showed up! nothing but genuine love for yallhttps://t.co/2c4nLEeRna Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 24, 2026Cunninghams success led to mixed reactions from fans on social media.Take this as sign #2 of how thewokeeraisdead. It is not 2020 anymore. You are not locked in an apartment or your moms house for weeks only leaving to get food or say hi to a relative via a pandemic and issues you overly & performatively backed out of white guilt, one person posted on X.Wokeism will always be around, but its dying on the vine. The main stream media is the only thing keeping it alive at this point, and boomers are the only people that watch it. You dont sell out shoes if most of the country is woke, someone else added.However, not everyone was supportive.And there it is. Another successful grift. Soon as her mediocre career is over well see her on Fox News saying our country is being invaded by illegals, one person wrote.Considering Cunninghams on-court production doesnt match her newfound popularity, itll be interesting to see if this is a flash in the pan or if she has staying power as one of the most marketable players in the WNBA.The post The woke era is dead: Sophie Cunninghams recent success causes a stir appeared first on The Comeback: Todays Top Sports Stories & Reactions.