WNBA commissioner outlines ongoing talks on transgender athlete participation

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert circulated a memo to all teams on Friday, acknowledging recent media inquiries about transgender athletes in women’s basketball and confirming that the issue will remain a focus of league discussions. The memo said a task force of team presidents and general managers will address the topic at a scheduled meeting next week.

Engelbert wrote that the league will "always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league" and highlighted that player eligibility rules are collectively bargained. She added that preserving the integrity of the game and ensuring fair competition are top priorities.

The league’s collective bargaining agreement specifies that only players who are women may compete, without detailing gender identity criteria. Recently, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White announced they consider themselves eligible for the WNBA draft, identifying as women.

The WNBA Players Association responded on social media, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while stating it will not be used as a political tool. Several players and coaches, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, have publicly supported transgender athletes, with Reeve describing the issue as a human-rights matter.

Engelbert indicated that additional listening sessions will be offered to team leaders and that the league will continue conversations with the Players Association in the coming weeks and months.