WNBA Grapples with Transgender Athlete Eligibility

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert circulated a memo to all teams addressing the surge of questions about transgender participation in women’s basketball. Engelbert announced that a task force of team presidents and general managers will meet next week to continue the discussion and that additional listening sessions will be offered to team leaders.

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Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham recently voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports in an ESPN interview. Her remarks prompted small rallies in Seattle and Portland while the Fever were on the road, and a lone protester appeared at the Fever’s home game against Las Vegas. Ahead of the team’s upcoming game in Chicago, two conservative groups have scheduled a rally in support of Cunningham. In response, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, stating they identify as women.

The Guardian

The WNBA Players’ Association posted a social-media statement affirming its commitment to “justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.” Several current players and coaches, such as Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson, have publicly supported transgender athletes.

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• “I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,” — Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner

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• “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,” — Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner

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• “We need to protect trans kids,” — Cheryl Reeve, minnesota lynx coach

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