Indiana Fever games have surged in viewership since star Sophie Cunningham inadvertently stirred up controversy about transgender athletes.

Two former NBA players publicly declared eligibility for the next WNBA Draft, an apparent effort to force the WNBA's hand.

Often-heated, broader cultural discussions about topics like race, gender and identity have followed the WNBA since it began 30 years ago — and that still remains the case.

By speaking truth even when it's unpopular, Cunningham is a fitting role model when fewer athletes today are.