WNBA commissioner tells teams league will keep discussing transgender eligibility
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams on Friday saying the league will continue discussions about transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball. The memo was obtained by the Associated Press.
Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham’s remarks in an ESPN article last month, in which she voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports, have drawn attention and prompted small rallies and protests. Those demonstrations occurred in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week; there was a lone protester at Indiana’s home game against Las Vegas on Thursday night. Indiana visits Chicago on Saturday, and members of two conservative groups are planning a rally in support of Cunningham ahead of that game.
Engelbert addressed recent questions in the memo, writing: “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. I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.”
In the same memo Engelbert set out the league’s approach, stating that the WNBA will “always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.” The league has not issued any other public comments on the matter.
The league’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA”, but it does not include any more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. On Friday, two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women.
The WNBA players’ association posted a statement on social media on Friday, writing: “We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion. Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse, and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.” Some WNBA figures have voiced support for transgender athletes as well, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “We need to protect trans kids,” Reeve said on 1 August. “To me, it’s a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports.”
Engelbert told teams the issue will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting next week. “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,” Engelbert wrote. “We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”