WNBA denounces 'bad-faith' efforts in transgender athlete debate

The WNBA on Wednesday criticized those attempting to create a narrative about transgender women playing in the league, saying there are no current eligibility matters requiring action.

"There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA, and we strongly denounce the bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others," a league spokesperson said in a statement following a virtual meeting of team presidents and general managers.

The anti-hate task force convened to discuss a range of topics, including social media vitriol directed at players and the participation of transgender athletes in women's basketball. The league said it would continue engaging stakeholders in coming weeks and months, approaching the conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with league values.

The debate intensified after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said she wanted to protect young girls "who shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sports. Her comments sparked protests on both sides of the argument and prompted broader discussion within the league.

Last Friday, two former NBA players—Enes Kanter Freedom, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, and Royce White—declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, stating they identify as women. Their declarations highlighted gaps in the league's eligibility rules.

The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement states that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but it does not include specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to team leadership Friday, stressing that the league should approach the topic of transgender participation with integrity and respect. She acknowledged that the issue would continue to receive significant attention and listed three guiding principles for league discussions, though she did not clarify the league's specific stance on transgender eligibility.

The Women's National Basketball Players Association issued a statement Friday denouncing "hate, abuse, and demonization" of the transgender community. The union called on fans to report anyone spreading hateful rhetoric at games and stated that it exists to "protect women's sports while creating transformational change," though it did not weigh in on whether transgender people should compete freely.

French transgender basketball player Julie Tetart, 34, who plays in Monaco, said she would not decline an offer to play in the WNBA if contacted. Tetart led France's second-tier Ligue 2 in both scoring and rebounding in the 2025-26 season.

Online vitriol has plagued the WNBA in new ways this season, particularly regarding conversations around transgender athletes participating in women's sports. The league said no imminent decision is expected regarding transgender athletes competing in the WNBA, according to a source familiar with Wednesday's task force discussions.