WNBA sends memo to teams addressing discussion of transgender athletes

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams on Friday addressing ongoing discussions about transgender athletes and women’s basketball.

The Associated Press and ESPN obtained the memo, which read in part:

“I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention.

I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.

“I know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention.

I wanted to reach out to share how we are approaching these conversations at the league office and to thank those of you who have responded to questions from the media with thoughtfulness and professionalism.

The WNBA commissioner and team presidents and general managers will reportedly discuss the matter at a previously scheduled meeting next week.

Engelbert’s memo expanded on how the league is approaching this topic, and emphasized an open forum for feedback.

“[The league] always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.

We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead.”

“[The league] always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.

We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead.”

There are no trans players in or entering the WNBA, and the CBA states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

Transgender athletes have been a topic of discussion around the WNBA over the last month after Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was quoted in an ESPN feature supporting barring transgender athletes from women’s sports.

That led to anti-trans protests outside Fever away games, including an incident that led to a minority owner of the Seattle Storm being suspended by the league for five games after a verbal confrontation with two Cunningham fans. Outside of the suspension, Engelbert’s memo is the first time the league has addressed the ongoing discourse, while several coaches and some players have spoken out about the importance of inclusion.

The WNBA Players Association also released a statement on Friday condemning hate and abuse.

“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. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”

“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. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”