“She Spoke Her TRUTH!” Martina Navratilova on Sophie Cunningham & Megan Rapinoe Trans Rows

August 7, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Martina Navratilova, one of the greatest tennis players in history, told Piers Morgan she is "sad" that WNBA star Sophie Cunningham has been booed and heckled simply for stating a biological fact: that male bodies should not compete in women's sports. "She spoke the truth," Navratilova said. "She was not singling out trans athletes. She was only talking about male bodies in women's sports, which clearly is not a fair fight."

The conversation, which unfolded on Piers Morgan Uncensored, centered on the firestorm surrounding Cunningham, who told ESPN she supports a ban on trans athletes to protect young female athletes. Cunningham has since doubled down, saying, "I think it's kind of common sense." Navratilova used the episode to lay out a clear framework for why she believes sex-based categories are essential to women's sports, and why the current debate has become dangerously confused.

The core argument: fairness requires clear categories

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What you'll learn

1 (00:32) **Episode Framing: The Sophie Cunningham Controversy** - Piers introduces the firestorm around WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, who told ESPN she supports a ban on trans athletes to protect young female athletes, and was subsequently booed, heckled, and shamed by the league and media.
2 (02:05) **Guest Introduction: Martina Navratilova's Health Update** - Piers welcomes tennis legend Martina Navratilova, checking in on her health two years after her double cancer diagnosis.
3 (03:34) **Martina's Core Argument: It's a Sex-Based Fairness Issue** - Martina explains that Sophie Cunningham simply stated a biological truth: male bodies in women's sports create an unfair fight, and the league's silence is "sad."
4 (05:54) **Why Women Don't Speak Out: Fear of Retaliation** - Piers asks why every woman doesn't agree with Sophie Cunningham's common-sense position.
5 (08:36) **The Coach's Provocation and Stephen A. Smith's Anger** - Piers plays a clip of Stephen A. Smith angrily calling out Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for wearing a "trans kids belong" T-shirt in response to Cunningham.
6 (11:35) **The Unfair Fight: Martina vs. Men's Tennis** - Piers asks the tennis legend how many men she could have beaten at her peak.
7 (13:20) **Caitlin Clark's Silence: The "Republicans Buy Sneakers" Problem** - Piers asks Martina about Caitlin Clark's refusal to take a side on the trans issue.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Piers Morgan

Show Notes

The debate over transgender athletes in women's sport has returned to the spotlight after WNBA player Sophie Cunningham defended her support for restricting transgender women from competing in women's sports.

Cunningham faced criticism after telling ESPN she believes transgender athletes should not compete in women's sports in order to protect opportunities for female athletes. Despite a backlash online and hostile receptions from some crowds, she has stood by her comments, saying, "I said what I said," and describing her position as "common sense."

The controversy has reignited a wider debate over fairness, inclusion and safety in women's sport. Critics have accused Cunningham of discrimination, while supporters argue that protecting female sporting categories is compatible with supporting the rights and dignity of transgender people.

As governing bodies around the world continue to review eligibility rules for transgender athletes, the debate over fairness, inclusion and the future of women's sport shows little sign of fading.

Piers Morgan is joined by tennis and female sports legend Martina Navratilova, transgender commentator Blaire White, comedian and commentator Jeff Dye, sports commentator Andrea Richmond and pro-trans activist Helen Webberley to to debate one of the most contentious issues in modern sport.

(00:00) Introduction

(02:27) Martina Navratilova joins the show

(04:05) Martina reacts to Sophie Cunningham being vilified

(06:55) Women collectively calling for a ban

(08:50) Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wearing a “trans kids belong” t-shirt

(12:02) Piers asks Martina how many men she would’ve beaten in Tennis

(13:58) Caitlin Clark’s neutrality on the issue

(16:30) Aryna Sabalenka’s comments on biological advantages of men

(20:30) Megan Rapinoe’s comments on The View

(24:05) The panel reacts to Martina Navratilova’s interview with Piers

(27:46) Should we have gender-neutral Olympics?

(31:00) Blaire White on supporting Sophie Cunningham

(35:14) French trans basketball player Julie Tétart’s 21 point average per game

(42:52) Should Caitlin Clark speak out about this matter?

(44:31) Piers challenges Andrea Richmond on women’s rights and safety

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