Right-wing commentators falsely claim transgender women play in WNBA
A WIRED report on August 26 said right-wing commentators spread false social-media claims that transgender women are already playing in the WNBA, even though the league confirmed that no trans athletes have ever competed. Earlier on August 16, Fox News reported that arena security asked two fans at an Atlanta Dream–Indiana Fever game to cover their XX-XY shirts, a request the league later said should not have occurred, according to statements reported by USA Today and AP News. The same day the New York Post noted two men in dresses attending a Las Vegas Aces game claiming eligibility for the 2027 draft. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham became a focal point of the debate after her remarks on transgender participation, as covered by usatoday.
com. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned attempts to politicise the league, ESPN reported. In the days that followed, players such as Breanna Stewart urged fans to keep arenas safe, AP News said, while supporters and opponents gathered outside Barclays Center before a Liberty-Fever game, USA Today noted. Fox News recorded that many WNBA athletes voiced support for transgender individuals, and Yahoo Sports quoted a sportscaster calling for disciplinary action against Cunningham.
