The WNBA condemned the efforts to create misleading narratives regarding transgender women in the league. “There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA,” a spokesperson stated, highlighting the negative intent of these discussions. This came after an anti-hate task force meeting focused on social media hostility and transgender athletes.
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement specifies that “only players who are women are eligible to play,” lacking specific details on gender identity. Last week, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced their eligibility for the WNBA draft, identifying as women. The draft will occur next April.
No transgender women, defined as those assigned male at birth and transitioning to their gender identity, have played in the WNBA. Some players assigned female at birth have later identified as transgender or nonbinary. An anti-hate committee, formed last year, focuses on addressing the hateful remarks directed at the league and its players.
The anti-hate committee’s recent meeting discussed various topics, including transgender athletes and the persistent online hostility faced by players. The WNBA affirmed its commitment to engaging stakeholders thoughtfully, aligned with its values. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert communicated to team leaders that discussions about transgender women in basketball would continue.
Engelbert emphasized that the issue is complex and requires ongoing discussions with all league members. Listening sessions will be available for team leaders to express their viewpoints. Some WNBA personalities, like Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, have publicly supported excluding transgender women from sports, prompting protests during the Fever’s recent road games.
However, others in the league, such as Seattle Storm’s Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, advocate for transgender inclusion. Reeve described the matter as a human rights issue, stressing every child’s right to participate in sports. Despite the differing views, many players have chosen not to comment.