WNBA Addresses Transgender Athlete Discussion

The WNBA recently condemned attempts to frame a narrative regarding transgender women participating in the league. “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,” stated a league spokesperson. This statement followed a virtual meeting by an anti-hate task force that addressed social media vitriol and the topic of transgender athletes.

The league’s collective bargaining agreement specifies that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but it lacks further specifics on gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Last week, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced their eligibility for the WNBA draft, claiming to identify as women. The draft is scheduled for next April.

No transgender woman, defined as someone assigned male at birth who transitions to align with their gender identity, has been on a WNBA roster. However, the league has had players assigned female at birth who later came out as transgender or nonbinary.

The anti-hate committee was created last year to combat online abuse directed at players and the league. During a recent meeting, the WNBA emphasized ongoing dialogues about transgender athletes and the persistent online hate directed at players. The league reaffirmed its commitment to involving all stakeholders in ongoing conversations that reflect its values.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo outlining plans to further discuss transgender women in women’s basketball. She acknowledged the complexity of the issue and promised continued dialogue with team leaders and the Players Association. Engelbert also mentioned the intent to offer listening sessions for team leaders who wish to participate, valuing their feedback.

In a recent ESPN article, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham supported barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports, leading to protests in Seattle and Portland. Some WNBA players and coaches, such as Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, have supported transgender athletes. On August 1, Reeve emphasized the importance of protecting trans children, viewing it as a human rights issue, asserting that every child has a right to sports.

Many players have declined to comment further on the subject.