WNBA task force denounces ‘bad-faith’ transgender debate and says league has no eligibility issues

A WNBA anti-hate task force met on Wednesday and strongly denounced those attempting to create a narrative around transgender women playing in the league. The spokesperson for the league stated, "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 collective bargaining agreement of the league specifies that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but it lacks more precise language regarding gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, recently declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, claiming they identify as women. However, there has never been a transgender woman — an individual assigned male at birth who transitions to align with their gender identity — on a WNBA roster.

The committee, established last year to address hateful and abusive online comments directed at players and the league, discussed the ongoing debates on transgender athletes and the persistent hate and vitriol directed at players online during its recent meeting. The league's Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, acknowledged the complexity of the issue in a memo sent to team presidents and general managers on Friday.

She emphasized that the league will continue to engage stakeholders in thoughtful discussions aligned with the values of the WNBA.

The memo also revealed plans to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for team leaders who wish to participate, recognizing that the perspectives and feedback of those involved are invaluable. Some WNBA players and coaches have publicly expressed support for transgender athletes, such as Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who emphasized the importance of protecting trans kids and viewing it as a human rights issue.