WNBA Responds to Former NBA Players’ Draft Plans

Cathy Engelbert, the Commissioner of the WNBA, has communicated with teams via a memo regarding the ongoing dialogue about the participation of transgender athletes in women’s basketball.

“I am aware that many of you have received inquiries in recent weeks concerning the involvement of transgender athletes in women’s basketball. I anticipate that this topic will continue to attract substantial attention,” Engelbert stated in the memo, which was distributed on Friday afternoon and obtained by The Associated Press. “I wanted to take this opportunity to explain our approach to these discussions at the league office and to express my gratitude to those who have thoughtfully and professionally addressed media inquiries.”

The memo indicated that this important issue will be further examined by a task force comprising team presidents and general managers during a previously scheduled meeting next week.
In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham expressed her support for prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. Cunningham’s remarks led to small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland while the Fever played on the road last week.
A lone protester was present at the Fever’s home game against Las Vegas on Thursday evening. Indiana is set to face Chicago on Saturday, with members of two conservative groups organizing a rally in support of Cunningham prior to that matchup.
The league has not issued any public statements regarding this matter.
Engelbert emphasized that the league will “always tackle this subject thoughtfully, respectfully, and in line with the core values that our league has upheld for years. our player eligibility criteria are collectively bargained, differing from the eligibility standards of some other leagues and governing organizations. Lastly, maintaining the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always be among the league’s top priorities.”
The collective bargaining agreement of the league specifies that “only players who are women can compete in the WNBA,” but it does not provide any specific guidelines concerning gender identity or sex assigned at birth. On Friday, two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, announced their eligibility for the WNBA draft, claiming that they identify as women.
“We acknowledge that this is a complicated and nuanced issue, and we will continue to engage in meaningful conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the upcoming weeks and months,” Engelbert stated in the memo. “We also plan to organize further discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who wish to take part. Your insights and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have reached out to share their perspectives.”
The WNBA Players’ Association released a statement on social media on Friday, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion while asserting that the group “will not be used as political pawns.”
“We advocate for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion,” the statement asserted. “These values unite our Union and enable us to protect women’s sports while fostering transformative change. Hatred, abuse, and the demonization of any individual or group, including transgender individuals, only fuel fear, division, and harm. We will continue to engage in difficult conversations. we will not allow ourselves to be used as political tools.”
Several WNBA players and coaches have publicly supported transgender athletes, such as Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve.
“We must protect trans kids,” Reeve stated on August 1. “To me, it’s a matter of human rights. Every child deserves the right to participate in sports.”

Associated Press Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg contributed to this report via the AP Newsroom.