Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams said in a recently surfaced video interview that she would welcome a transgender player into the WNBA. Williams said she views transgender rights as "our issue," although she did not specify whether she was referring to the league specifically.
"I think trans rights, right now, is our new battle," Williams said, adding that she believes people's rights are being stripped away amid ongoing discourse surrounding transgender athletes.
"I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team, anytime," Williams added. "I don't think it's a problem in the world."
Williams also noted that trans people are being marginalized as debate continues across women's sports.
In her comments, Williams referenced Layshia Clarendon, the WNBA's first openly non-binary player. Clarendon came out as non-binary in 2020 after being assigned female at birth, and retired in 2024 after an 11-year career in the league.
The video containing Williams's comments circulated online featuring the logo of sports website The Local W. It remains unclear if Williams was speaking to a single media outlet or a group of reporters.
Indiana Fever Game and Fan Reactions
Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever returned home following a contentious road trip. The Fever fell to visiting Las Vegas in overtime at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Outside the arena on Thursday, a lone protester argued in support of Cunningham's opposition to transgender athletes in women's sports. Inside, fans held signs with messages including "I want to play like Sophie" and "Thank you for standing up for girls, Sophie!"
Political activist Riley Gaines claimed that a WNBA staff member told her to put down her sign supporting Cunningham during the ongoing debate.
Other spectators held signs following Cunningham's comments before recent games, including the matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx.
Demonstrators also spoke publicly in favor of transgender athletes during the debate.
Reactions Across the WNBA
The home atmosphere differed from Cunningham's reception on a recent road trip through Seattle, Portland, and Minnesota. During Sunday's game in Minnesota, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a T-shirt displaying the message "Trans kids belong."
The Fever are expected to see another rally when they play in Chicago on Saturday, as Cunningham has not backed off her position despite the criticism.
"I was asked a question and that's simply what it was. I wasn't trying to make a statement. I was trying to clear the air, and I did that, back in February, so it is what it is," Cunningham said at practice on Wednesday. "We're in the middle of the season, so I'm going to keep it at that. Our team is good, my teammates are good, our locker room is great."
League Statistics and Background
Cunningham became central to the debate after telling ESPN that young girls "shouldn't have to go against biological men" when playing sports.
The WNBA does not have any transgender players who were assigned male at birth, and no such player has ever played in the league. Transgender athletes are also extremely rare at the collegiate level. In 2024, NCAA president Charlie Baker estimated there were fewer than 10 competing at that time.
