WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams addressing the ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women's basketball, emphasizing respect and integrity.
The WNBA finds itself at the center of a significant debate regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has taken a proactive stance by sending a memo to team presidents, general managers, and coaches, outlining the league’s approach to this complex issue.
The memo, sent on Friday, acknowledges the growing attention and media inquiries surrounding transgender athlete participation. Engelbert expressed gratitude for the thoughtful and professional responses from team leaders and emphasized the league’s commitment to addressing the topic with care and respect.
Engelbert’s Guiding Principles for Transgender Athlete Participation
In her memo, Engelbert outlined three key principles that will guide the WNBA’s discussions on transgender athlete participation. First, she stressed the importance of approaching the topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the league’s longstanding values.
Second, she highlighted that the league’s player eligibility rules are collectively bargained, unlike those of some other leagues and governing bodies. Lastly, she reiterated the league’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the game and ensuring fair competition.
The memo also mentioned a previously scheduled meeting of a task force consisting of team presidents and general managers, which will address this conversation and other league issues. Engelbert acknowledged that the topic will continue to receive significant attention and praised team leadership for their responses to increasing questions.
League’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and Transgender Athletes
The WNBA’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. This ambiguity has led to discussions and differing opinions among players, coaches, and fans.
Recently, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports. Her comments sparked rallies and protests during the Fever’s road games, with supporters and opponents of the issue making their voices heard. Engelbert’s memo does not explicitly define the league’s stance on transgender athlete participation but invites further conversation with players and team leaders to determine how they will proceed.
WNBA Players’ Association and Coaches’ Responses
The WNBA Players’ Association released a statement emphasizing diversity and inclusion, stating that they will not be used as political pawns. The statement read, We embrace justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. 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.
Several WNBA players and coaches have publicly supported transgender athletes. Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve have been vocal advocates for inclusion. Reeve stated, We need to protect trans kids. To me, it’s a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports. Golden State Valkyries All-Star Gabby Williams also welcomed transgender athletes joining the WNBA.
As the WNBA continues to navigate this complex issue, Engelbert’s memo serves as a reminder of the league’s commitment to respectful and thoughtful discussions. The upcoming task force meeting and additional listening sessions will provide opportunities for team leaders to share their perspectives and feedback, ensuring that the league’s approach aligns with its values and priorities.
