WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has told teams that a task force of team presidents and general managers will discuss the future of transgender athletes in women's basketball at a previously scheduled meeting next week, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.
The memo, sent Friday afternoon, said the league will continue to prioritize "preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition." Engelbert wrote that she wanted to "reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office" and thanked those who had responded to media questions "with thoughtfulness and professionalism."
The league has been engulfed in controversy in recent weeks after Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham said she wants to "protect young girls" from "biological men." Her comments sparked protests and drew messages of support from Vice President JD Vance.
Ex-NBA players declare for draft
On Friday, two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, declared themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, saying they identify as women. On Sunday, White posed in a wig, trolling his critics and celebrating what he called his "feminine era."
League's collectively bargained rules
In the memo, Engelbert wrote that the league will "always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league." She noted that the WNBA's player eligibility rules, unlike those of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained.
The league's collective bargaining agreement states that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA," but it does not include specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Engelbert called the issue "a complex and nuanced topic" and said the league would continue conversations with teams and the Players Association "in the weeks and months ahead," including additional discussions and listening sessions for team leaders.
Players' union responds
The WNBA players' association posted a statement on social media Friday emphasizing diversity and inclusion while saying the group "will not be used as political pawns." The statement said the union embraces "justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion" and that those values "unite this Union and allow it to protect women's sports while creating transformational change."
The statement added that hate, abuse and demonization of any person or group, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division and harm, and said the union would continue to have hard conversations without being used as political pawns.
Some WNBA players and coaches have voiced support for transgender athletes, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. On Aug. 1, Reeve said protecting trans kids is a human rights issue and that every kid has a right to sports.
Cunningham-Carrington collision
The WNBA faced another controversy on Saturday when a bloodied Cunningham was floored in a clash with DiJonai Carrington, who later appeared to suggest her rival had benefited from "white privilege." Toward the end of the first quarter of Indiana's game against the Chicago Sky, Cunningham drove toward the basket and was struck in the face by Carrington's arm, sending her to the floor.
Carrington was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game, with Cunningham and teammate Caitlin Clark waving as she headed to the locker room. Cameras caught Cunningham smiling and clapping at the officials' decision, though minutes earlier she had reacted furiously, with courtside footage appearing to show her shouting at Carrington. Cunningham got to her feet and tried to confront Carrington before teammates and staff pulled her away. After her ejection, Carrington posted from the locker room: "WHITE PRIVILEGE @indianafever."
