Bill Maher defended WNBA player Sophie Cunningham on HBO’s “Real Time”, arguing that her comments about transgender participation in women’s sport had been misrepresented. The exchange highlights the continuing, politically charged debate over eligibility rules in female sporting categories and the consequences athletes can face for speaking publicly about it.

Cunningham has recently become a prominent figure in the discussion around women’s sport, drawing both support and criticism for her stance. Maher’s remarks, made on Friday’s programme, framed the reaction to her comments as excessive and unfair, while the wider debate continues to involve sports bodies, players and campaigners.