Right-wing commentators spread false claims about transgender players in the WNBA

Social-media users aligned with conservative commentators have circulated claims that the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) includes transgender women, despite the league stating that no trans women have ever played in the league. The speculation began after Australian YouTuber Sydney Watson shared a video of Brittney Griner, a cisgender player for the Connecticut Sun, and suggested the league might be avoiding a definition of "woman" because a male player is already on a roster.

The allegation has been amplified by figures such as former swimmer Riley Gaines and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who have publicly opposed the participation of trans women in women’s sports. Cunningham told reporters that she wants to "protect young girls in a locker room" and described her stance as "common sense."

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded that the league has no current eligibility issues involving trans athletes and dismissed online harassment as the work of "haters."

Other right-wing influencers have called for measures such as DNA cheek swabs to verify players' sex chromosomes, and conspiracy groups on platforms like X and Facebook have misidentified several players, including Griner, as transgender. These claims have been described by media analysts as part of a broader campaign that fuels harassment of both cisgender and transgender athletes.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates over gender inclusion in sports, with critics warning that unfounded accusations can harm athletes regardless of their gender identity.