Transgender eligibility at 2026 World Cup: How FIBA rules differ from the WNBA

The WNBA and FIBA basketball organizations stand on opposite sides of the debate over transgender eligibility for the 2026 World Cup. The WNBA, lacking a specific definition in its Collective Bargaining Agreement, continues to accept only women as eligible players. However, the FIBA has implemented stricter criteria, requiring genetic/biological screenings, such as the presence of the SRY gene or XX chromosomes, as per the International Olympic Committee’s updated framework.

This has left fans and players in the dark, with figures like Enes Kanter taking advantage of the ambiguity to make provocative statements.

The FIBA has established a Gender Eligibility Committee, consisting of medical and legal experts, to evaluate the matter further. The committee is expected to present its recommendations to the Central Board at the beginning of 2027. During this period, FIBA will not entertain any requests related to transgender eligibility. In contrast, the WNBA's stance, rooted in the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement, remains consistent in its policy of only allowing players who identify as women to participate in the league.

Despite recent discussions and activism, such as Sophie Cunningham's comments on the issue, the WNBA has not yet altered its policy.