08/12/26 08:09:00
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08/12 20:07 CDT WNBA denounces 'bad-faith' transgender debate and says league
has no eligibility issues
WNBA denounces 'bad-faith' transgender debate and says league has no
eligibility issues
By DOUG FEINBERG
AP Basketball Writer
The WNBA on Wednesday criticized those trying to create a narrative about
transgender women playing 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," a league spokesperson said Wednesday in a statement, hours after an
anti-hate task force met virtually and discussed a variety of topics, including
social media vitriol and transgender athletes.
The league's collective bargaining agreement states that "only players who are
women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but it does not include any more
specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Last Friday,
two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared
themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.
The draft isn't until next April.
There has never been a transgender woman --- a person assigned male at birth
who transitions to align with their gender identity --- on a WNBA roster. There
have been players in the league who were assigned female at birth and later
came out as transgender or nonbinary.
The anti-hate committee was formed last year to deal with hateful and abusive
online comments directed at players and the league.
"Today's meeting covered a wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions
on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players
online," the WNBA statement said. "We will continue to engage all league
stakeholders in the coming weeks and months. We will approach these important
conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with the values of our league."
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo last Friday to team presidents
and general managers saying the league would discuss the subject of transgender
women in women's basketball.
"We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to
have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the
weeks and months ahead," Engelbert said in the memo. "We also plan to convene
additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who
would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I
appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts."
In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham
voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls' and women's
sports. Cunningham's comments sparked small rallies and protests in Seattle and
Portland when the Fever were on the road last week.
Some WNBA players and coaches have come out in support of transgender athletes,
including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl
Reeve.
"We need to protect trans kids," Reeve said on Aug. 1. "To me, it's a human
rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports."
Many players have declined to comment on the subject.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
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