WNBA Faces Controversy Over Transgender Participation

On August 8, ABC’s “Good Morning America” highlighted the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Networks including ABC broadcast WNBA games nationwide. Rachel Scott asked about the major WNBA story fans should focus on. Holly Rowe from ESPN mentioned how difficult it would be to make the playoffs.

Controversy soon followed. Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham was hit in the face during a game after voicing support for women’s basketball being exclusive to women. DiJonai Carrington from Chicago Sky was ejected and responded by blaming “White privilege.” The incident was largely ignored by networks as either a sportsmanship or cultural issue.

CBS addressed the issue with Celeste Keaton, Seattle Storm co-owner, suspended for verbally attacking girls supporting Cunningham. Cunningham, noted for defending teammate Caitlin Clark, is the first current professional female athlete to oppose transgender females in women’s sports. She expressed this stance in an ESPN profile, stating girls shouldn’t compete against biological men.

Cunningham’s statement highlighted her belief as common sense, clarifying her stance doesn’t equate to hating the trans community. She stressed that sports should have distinct spaces for men and women.

Discussion continued with two former NBA players intending to identify as women for the WNBA draft, aiming to prove a point. Critics argue the league is unprepared for its growing popularity and the ensuing controversy.

CBS revisited Cunningham’s case two days post-controversy. Both sides of the debate are vocal. A soundbite from Enes Kanter Freedom about declaring for the WNBA draft added to the debate.

NPR briefly touched on the issue on “Weekend Edition Saturday”. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced a task force to discuss transgender participation. Despite the WNBA lacking known transgender athletes, the league faces challenges keeping focus on the sport amidst controversy.

Michele Steele from ESPN remarked that while the league’s on-court performance is commendable, off-court issues are competing for attention. The task force can study the issue but can’t change eligibility due to collective bargaining with the players’ union. The league criticized efforts to demean or marginalize others during discussions.

WNBA games have become platforms for supporters of Cunningham’s stance to oppose the current narrative. League officials label such actions “bad-faith” while allowing men claiming to be women to participate. The broadcast networks mostly avoid the issue, but CBS reports on concerns over men in women’s sports.

WNBA has yet to agree on a policy about transgender participation. On August 20, the AP shared Engelbert’s complaint about the WNBA being a “political football” for non-fans. There’s clarity on what constitutes a “hater” but not on defining a woman.

Tim Graham, Executive Editor of NewsBusters.org and co-author with Brent Bozell of “Unmasked: Big Media’s War Against Trump,” provides further insight.