Texas AG Ken Paxton sends message to WNBA amid 'concerns' over treatment of Sophie Cunningham supporters

EXCLUSIVE: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed cautious optimism about the WNBAs treatment of Sophie Cunninghams supporters Thursday while reaffirming his commitment to keeping biological males out of womens sports.

Paxton attended the Indiana Fevers game against the Dallas Wings at American Airlines Center with his daughter Mattie. The two wore matching XX-XY shirts as womens sports advocates rallied outside the arena before the game.

When asked whether Cunninghams supporters had received fair treatment from the WNBA, Paxton stopped short of condemning the league.

"Look, I think theyre working on it," Paxton told Fox News Digital. "I have concerns ... but Im hopeful that things are getting better in that regard."

Paxton answered a question on whether he would become involved if supporters face unfair treatment, saying he was "looking" into the issue. He did not indicate any plans for any formal action.

"Look, were looking at it," Paxton said. "We wanna make sure that they are treated fairly"

Paxtons measured response came after Cunningham supporters raised concerns about their treatment at WNBA games in multiple cities. The league recently acknowledged that security personnel should not have instructed a mother and daughter to cover their XX-XY shirts at an Atlanta Dream game.

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"This should not have happened," the WNBA said in response to that incident.

Paxton showed little willingness to compromise on the underlying issue.

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"In Texas, we know what weve passed," he said. "We have laws here that protect against men in womens sports and boys in girls sports, and its pretty important to, I think, the people of Texas."

Texas law requires athletes at public schools and public colleges to compete based on biological sex. The states laws do not directly control WNBA eligibility. Paxton has still used his office to pursue the issue, including a lawsuit against the NCAA over its previous transgender athlete policy.

Paxton praised Cunningham for publicly opposing the inclusion of biological males in womens sports. Her comments inspired supporters to hold rallies outside WNBA arenas and attend games wearing shirts promoting sex-based competition.

"Look, I admire her," Paxton said. "Shes got tremendous courage. Its what we need in our country, more courage, standing up for what is right, and actually standing up for young women that want the opportunity to compete in sports."

"Obviously, we have these policies where men compete against women, which makes it very difficult for these women to compete in sports."

Paxton encouraged Texans to support Cunningham instead of attacking her for expressing her position.

"Instead of criticizing her, how about we admire something of great courage, which is what she has accomplished as a young woman," he said. "Standing up is very difficult. Very few people are willing to do it, and I have a lot of admiration. I hope a lot of Texans have a lot of admiration for what