The WNBA is reconsidering its policy on transgender athletes following remarks by Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham’s comments about transgender competitors in women’s sports have reignited a heated debate.
Earlier this year, Cunningham shared with ESPN, “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans.” She emphasized her intention was not to express hate, but to advocate for honesty. “I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men,” she stated.
Currently, the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement specifies that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” However, no specific rules address the eligibility of transgender athletes. This may soon change as the league examines its policy through a newly formed task force of team presidents and general managers.
The league stated, “We will approach these important conversations thoughtfully and in alignment with the values of our league.” It also denounced attempts to use these topics to marginalize individuals.
The topic gained further attention when former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declared for the 2027 WNBA draft. Meanwhile, the issue has split the league’s fan base. At a recent Fever-Seattle Storm game, protestors and counter-protestors assembled to voice their opinions on Cunningham’s remarks.
The WNBA has yet to see a transgender athlete in the league. Addressing this complex issue now stands as a priority for the organization.