Caitlyn Jenner Reacts to Kanter/White WNBA Transgender Controversy
Two former NBA players have said they’re declaring for the WNBA draft.
Caitlyn Jenner has weighed in on the WNBA bylaw controversy surrounding former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, who have stated they identify as women and have declared for the league's draft. The 1976 Olympic gold medalist and 2015 transitionee spoke to Fox News about the issue, calling out what she perceives as hypocrisy within the WNBA.
"The WNBA had their meetings on this issue and Cathy, the head, says, 'We talked about the trans issue, but we just haven’t come up with a conclusion at this point. We will continue the conversation,'" Jenner said. The WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement states that only players who are women are eligible to play, but it does not specify how that determination is made.
This week, the league held a task force meeting to discuss transgender athletes and online hate, but no precise declarations were made regarding player eligibility. Jenner emphasized the importance of protecting women's sports, aligning with her long-standing stance on the matter. The controversy has sparked discussions in sports for years, gaining mainstream attention after transgender swimmer Lia Thomas won a national championship in 2022.
The situation intensified after WNBA player Sophie Cunningham expressed her stance on protecting women's sports, facing backlash and threats in return. The WNBA has yet to make any definitive decisions on player eligibility, while other sports bodies, such as the Olympics and WTA, have adopted stricter protocols.
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