WNBA denounces ‘bad-faith’ attempts to stoke transgender player debate after virtual anti-hate meeting
The WNBA on Wednesday, 13 August 2026, issued a statement condemning what it called “bad-faith efforts” to create a narrative about transgender women playing in the league after an anti-hate task force met virtually and discussed social media vitriol and transgender athletes.
The league reiterated that “There are no immediate eligibility matters affecting the WNBA,” and pointed to its collective bargaining agreement language that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” while noting the CBA does not specify gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Last Friday two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft and said they identify as women, with the draft not scheduled until next April. The WNBA also noted there has never been a transgender woman on a roster and that some players assigned female at birth later came out as transgender or nonbinary; its anti-hate committee was formed last year to address abusive online comments.
A league spokesperson said in the Wednesday statement: “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.” A person familiar with the virtual meeting told Yahoo Sports that much of the discussion focused on online hate and abuse directed at WNBA players, and the WNBA added: “Today’s meeting covered a wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players online.” The statement concluded that the league “will continue to engage all league stakeholders in the coming weeks and months. We will approach these important conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with the values of our league.”
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo last Friday to team presidents and general managers saying the league would discuss the subject of transgender women in women’s basketball and stressing that eligibility rules are collectively bargained; she wrote that preserving the integrity of the game and ensuring fair competition remained among the WNBA’s highest priorities. Engelbert added: “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.” She also 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.”
The players’ union issued a statement last Friday condemning “hate, abuse and demonization” of transgender people while saying it would continue to engage in difficult discussions, and added: “We will not be used as political pawns.” An ESPN article last month quoted Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham supporting barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports, and those comments prompted small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week.
Some members of the WNBA have publicly expressed support for transgender athletes, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve; Reeve said on 1 August: “We need to protect trans kids.” Reeve also wore a shirt reading “Trans Kids Belong” during a recent game against Indiana, while many other players have declined to comment on the subject.
The league said it will continue engaging stakeholders and convene additional discussions and listening sessions in the coming weeks and months, while the WNBA draft remains scheduled for next April.