The WNBA is denouncing what it calls “bad-faith” attempts to turn transgender athletes into a wedge issue, days after two former NBA players said they want to join next year’s draft.
“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 league spokesperson said Wednesday.
The statement followed a virtual meeting of the league’s anti-hate task force, formed last year to combat online abuse against players. The group also discussed social media vitriol, the league said.
Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, both former NBA players, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft Friday, saying they identify as women. The draft isn’t until next April. No transgender woman has played in the WNBA. The league’s labor agreement says only women may play but doesn’t define gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told team executives last week the league would keep discussing the topic and hold listening sessions. “We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic,” Ms. Engelbert wrote.
Players remain divided. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has said transgender women should be barred from women’s sports, sparking small protests during road games. Seattle center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve back transgender athletes. “We need to protect trans kids,” Ms. Reeve said Aug. 1.
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• WNBA denounces ’bad-faith’ transgender debate, says league has no eligibility issues
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