Trans French basketball star Julie Tétart seeks WNBA opportunity after dominant Ligue 2 season
Julie Tétart, a transgender player who led France's Ligue 2 in scoring and rebounding, says she would consider a WNBA offer, while the league has not yet responded.
Julie Tétart, a 6'3" center who came out as transgender in 2021, posted a 21-point, 20-rebound average for a Monaco club during the 2025-26 French women's Ligue 2 season, topping the league in both categories. Her performance earned her Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Domestic Player of the Year honors, although she was not selected for the league MVP award.
Tétart told a French outlet via Instagram direct messages that she would not decline a WNBA invitation, adding that she is aware of the competition for roster spots. "If they contact me, I won't say no," she said, noting her age and the depth of talent in the league.
The situation has sparked debate in France and the United States about the participation of transgender athletes in women's professional sports. Former WNBA player Audrey Sauret expressed concern that allowing transgender women to compete could affect opportunities for cisgender athletes, writing that physiological differences may create an uneven playing field.
Activist group TRANSpire criticized the Ligue 2 awards process, alleging that transgender players Julie Tétart and 43-year-old Aurore Pautou were excluded from certain honors despite strong statistical performances.
The WNBA has not publicly commented on whether it will extend an invitation to Tétart. The league's commissioner has previously pledged to address issues of discrimination, but specific policies regarding transgender athletes have not been detailed in recent statements.