The Chicago Sky have addressed a planned rally outside the United Center on Saturday before their game against the Indiana Fever, saying they expect a normal basketball environment and that everyone inside the arena should follow safety, security, media and fan conduct rules. The response comes as Dijonai Carrington keeps drawing attention beyond the court.
Saturday's game will mark the fourth rally in support of Sophie Cunningham, whose public comments last month set off a series of demonstrations that have followed Fever road games in Seattle, Portland and Minneapolis. A fifth rally is already set for New York ahead of the Fever's game against the Liberty on Aug. 22.
Cunningham publicly backed protecting women's sports from biological males in an article last month, and the rallies have been tied to that position ever since. The Chicago Sky, meanwhile, said they are committed to a welcoming space for all and remain focused on basketball and giving fans a good experience at the United Center.
That leaves the Sky trying to manage a game day that is about more than basketball without making the rally itself the main event. The issue has grown into a wider WNBA flashpoint in recent weeks, and Friday added another layer when former NBA player Enes Kanter-Freedom said he is declaring to play in the WNBA. The league has also seen four head coaches come under scrutiny after sharing their thoughts on the subject.
What happens in Chicago will matter because it shows whether the Cunningham rallies keep moving city to city or begin to draw a stronger response from teams trying to keep the focus on the floor. The Seattle stop already led to discipline for Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton after two teenage Cunningham supporters said she cursed at them courtside, a sign that the dispute is no longer staying outside the arena doors.
