A rejected scoreboard message drew a strong reaction from Martina Navratilova after the New York Liberty basketball team displayed multiple pro-trans messages during halftime. Julie Potter, a basketball fan, bought 25 tickets for the New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever game at Barclays Center.
Potter paid $100 for a halftime scoreboard message at the game. Her message included a gratitude note to Jennifer Sey, founder of apparel company XX-XY Athletics. The brand advocates for fairness in women’s sports and challenges the idea of transgender athletes competing in female sports. Potter’s message read:
Thanks for the submission!
“Thank you, Jennifer Sey! XX-XY Athletics will Save the Day!!”
The New York Liberty contacted Potter, stating that the wording would be changed, which she objected to, and she accepted the refund.
The team instead showed multiple pro-trans messages, including:
“Hey trans fans! You’re here! Go Liberty!”
“Welcome Trans Liberty fans! You are loved and you belong!”
The last-minute change and pro-trans messages sparked Navratilova’s criticism. She highlighted that time when the WNBA avoided showing LGBTQ+ representation. Speaking about the change over the years, the former tennis player took a jab at Liberty, writing:
“Wow. Pretty sad…I am old enough to remember when the WNBA totally shied away from anything LGB, when the cameras would make sure to show only “straight” people… how far we have come.”
Potter has accused Liberty of censorship.
Martina Navratilova threatens to withdraw Democratic Party support over trans policies
Martina Navratilova expressed her strong view against the Democratic Party’s growing support for transgender policies. Navratilova stated that she would withdraw her support in any form, while the Party and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) are planning to make transgender rights their main issue in the 2026 elections.
The HRC recently stated their willingness to spend $15 million on supporting transgender rights and Democratic candidates who back those policies. The Democratic Party wants to rebuild the support for LGBTQ+ rights after President Donald Trump’s Republican administration curbed gender-affirming care for children and banned transgender individuals from serving in the army.
Navratilova expressed her disapproval and announced the withdrawal of her aid.
“If they keep doing this, I will stop giving any support – be it vocal, financial or actually voting,” Navratilova wrote.
Martina Navratilova supported the WTA’s new genetic testing policy, stating that it is a step taken in the right direction.
Edited by Janhavi Shinde
