WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the recent discussions around transgender persons in a memo to teams Friday.
“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,” Engelbert said in the memo obtained by The Associated Press. “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.”
Engelbert’s memo noted the conversation will continue at a meeting with team presidents and general managers next week. Engelbert said the league will “always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. … Preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.”
Engelbert’s memo comes after two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying they identify as women.
The men in women’s sports conversation caught fire after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said in a profile published by ESPN on July 21 that she wanted to protect young girls in locker rooms, who “shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” Cunningham reinforced her beliefs when asked about her stance ahead of the Fever’s July 22 games against the Connecticut Sun.
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“It’s common sense, and I’ll always believe in that,” Cunningham said. “It’s important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. So, I stand on what I said, and I’ll always believe that.”
Cunningham’s comments have sparked “Support Sophie Cunningham” rallies held ahead of the Fever’s games in Seattle, Portland and Minneapolis. Cunningham spoke face-to-face with Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who disagreed with the eight-year veteran.
White said the league should state its position plainly on the subject of males playing in women’s sports and suggested he’d pursue legal action if he weren’t signed to a team. White and Freedom hold conservative beliefs and challenge the WNBA to clarify its guidelines.
The league’s collective bargaining agreement states, “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” The WNBPA released a statement on social media Friday, stating the league and its players “will not be used as political pawns.”
“We embrace justice equity, diversity and inclusion,” the union said. “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.”
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. 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 l appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”
Joshua Heron is an enterprise and Fever reporter. Follow him on Twitter at @HeronReports. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: WNBA commissioner calls transgender topic ‘complex’ as former NBA players challenge league
Reporting by Joshua Heron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Joshua Heron, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
