Michael Porter Jr., a prominent NBA player, stirred controversy with his recent comments regarding women’s basketball. During an appearance on the Ball in the Family Podcast on November 18, 2025, he claimed that elite high school boys could outplay professional women’s teams, including the WNBA.
Porter Jr.’s Controversial Remarks
Porter Jr. reflected on his experiences growing up, stating that he played against his sisters, who were collegiate athletes at The University of Missouri. He asserted, “I’m probably going with 8th grade,” implying that even middle school boys could compete with professional female athletes. He specifically mentioned WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, noting that he played against her and others.
Sophie Cunningham Responds
Following these remarks, Cunningham addressed Porter Jr.’s comments on her Post Moves podcast on November 20, 2025. Her response provided a surprising angle. The former college star clarified that elite male athletes are usually stronger and more athletic than their female counterparts.
The Debate on Gender and Sports
- Cunningham acknowledged that elite male athletes could outperform females, especially if the boys are on a trajectory to become professionals.
- She stated, “If women are saying, ‘He couldn’t beat them,’ yeah, he could,” asserting that any NBA player has the physical advantage.
- Despite her agreement with Porter Jr.’s basic premise, she emphasized the unfairness of such comparisons.
Cunningham also highlighted the context of Porter Jr.’s statement, which arose during a discussion about at what age elite boys’ teams could realistically compete against a WNBA team. She reiterated that the physical differences between male and female athletes justify Porter Jr.’s stance, though she expressed discomfort with the idea of pitting genders against each other in this way.
The Reaction to the Discussion
The ongoing discourse about gender in sports continues to evoke mixed reactions. Many fans and commentators reflect on the implications of such comparisons, especially regarding fairness and representation in athletics.
As this conversation evolves, it will be interesting to see how both athletes and fans continue to respond to the complexities of gender dynamics in sports.
