The WNBA on Wednesday criticized those trying to create a narrative about transgender women playing in the league. A person familiar with the discussion told Yahoo Sports that much of the meeting focused on the online hate and abuse directed at WNBA players. 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. 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. 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. Engelbert also noted that the league’s eligibility rules are collectively bargained and said preserving the integrity of the game and ensuring fair competition remained among the WNBA’s highest priorities.
Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.” The players’ union also issued a statement Friday condemning “hate, abuse and demonization” of transgender people while saying it would continue to engage in difficult discussions. 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. Every kid has a right to sports.” Reeve also wore a shirt reading “Trans Kids Belong” during a recent game against Indiana. Many players have declined to comment on the subject.
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