Dallas, Texas – On Thursday night, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R‑Texas) joined his daughter Mattie at the Dallas Wings‑Indiana Fever game held at the American Airlines Center. Both wore matching XX‑XY shirts, a visual statement championing the exclusion of biological males from women’s sports competitions.
Paxton issued a brief statement to The Dallas Express, saying, “I was grateful to attend the game with my daughter Mattie in support of keeping men out of women’s sports.” A photograph obtained by the outlet shows the pair seated together, surrounded by other fans displaying similar shirts and signs that read “Protect Women’s Sports,” “Thank You, Sophie,” and “We Love Sophie.”
Local advocacy groups rally at the arena
The pre‑game rally was organized by Texas Values in partnership with Moms for Liberty, Moms for America, and the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS). The groups gathered to back Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has become a vocal defender of sex‑based competition. After the game, Cunningham signed a “Thank You, Sophie” poster for Texas college athlete and women’s‑sports advocate Brooke Slusser, adding, “Keep being you, we are behind you.”
The Wings defeated the Fever 91‑85 before an announced crowd of 20,297, according to Mavs Moneyball.
Attorney General’s broader legal actions
Paxton’s appearance at the game aligns with ongoing legal efforts by his office. In December 2024, the attorney general sued the NCAA, alleging violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act for marketing events as women’s competitions while allowing biological males to participate. The lawsuit seeks to block such participation in Texas or require distinct marketing for those events.
Additionally, in April 2025, Paxton and Dallas Independent School District reached an agreed order to ensure district employees comply with Texas law governing girls’ sports. These actions reflect a broader state‑level push to enforce sex‑based eligibility rules in athletics.
Response from sports organizations
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association condemned what it called “hate and the demonization of transgender people,” though it did not propose a specific eligibility standard. The WNBA has announced no immediate eligibility changes.
Social media users at the arena captured the scene, with many fans posting photos of the XX‑XY shirts and signs. One attendee tweeted, “Respect to every fan in that building standing up for women and biological…,” emphasizing the community’s visible support for the cause.
What this means for local fans
The event underscores how state‑level policy debates are playing out in local venues, bringing together political leaders, athletes, and everyday fans. For Dallas residents, the game served as both entertainment and a platform for a contentious cultural issue that continues to shape Texas sports legislation.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
