The WNBA issued a statement on Wednesday condemning attempts to politicize the participation of transgender women in the league, saying there are no current eligibility issues that affect its operations.
League says it has no immediate eligibility concerns
A spokesperson for the league said, “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.” The comment followed a virtual meeting of the league’s anti‑hate task force, which reviewed a range of subjects from online harassment to the status of transgender athletes.
The collective bargaining agreement that governs the league specifies that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but it does not reference gender identity or sex assigned at birth. That wording leaves the policy technically open, though no transgender woman has ever appeared on a roster.
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Last Friday, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced they consider themselves eligible for the upcoming draft, citing their identification as women. The draft is scheduled for April, and the league has not indicated any change to its eligibility rules.
Internal discussions and external reactions
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to team presidents and general managers outlining the league’s plan to keep the conversation ongoing. “We recognize that this issue is layered, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead,” the memo read. Engelbert also offered listening sessions for team leaders who wish to participate.
The anti‑hate committee, created last year to address abusive online comments, said its recent meeting “covered a wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players online.” The group pledged to keep engaging stakeholders and to align its approach with the league’s values.
Players have expressed a range of views. Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve have spoken in favor of protecting transgender youth, calling it a human‑rights issue. In contrast, Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham recently voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports, a comment that sparked small protests in Seattle and Portland when the team was on the road.
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Many athletes have chosen not to comment publicly, reflecting the sensitivity of the topic within the league.
Compared with past debates over gender eligibility in other sports, the WNBA’s approach appears more measured. While some leagues have rushed to amend rules, the WNBA is opting for a series of listening sessions and stakeholder meetings, which may set a precedent for how professional women’s leagues handle similar issues moving forward.
The league’s statement emphasizes a commitment to thoughtful dialogue. “We will continue to engage all league stakeholders in the coming weeks and months,” the anti‑hate task force said. “We will approach these important conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with the values of our league.”