WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to players and teams on Friday addressing the league’s approach to transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball. The memo came as the topic drew increased attention following declarations by two former NBA players for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
“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,” Engelbert wrote in the memo, which was obtained by the Associated Press.
She further stated that the league will “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.”
Engelbert noted that the topic would be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting the following week. “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. We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts,” she added.
POLL: Is JD Vance A Better Vice President Than Mike Pence?
Cathy Engelbert sent out a memo saying the WNBA will have a special task force made up of team presidents and general managers discuss transgender athletes in woman sports next week, per @espn
“The league’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women… pic.twitter.com/cIxt2gNZSk
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) August 8, 2026
The league’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” without additional language addressing gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Any changes to player eligibility rules would require collective bargaining. The memo did not announce a new policy but outlined plans for continued internal discussions.
The memo followed recent public comments on the issue from Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, who expressed support for banning biological males from women and girls’ sports while speaking with ESPN. Some players and coaches, including Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, responded by voicing support for transgender athletes’ participation. “We need to protect trans kids. To me, it’s a human rights issue. Every kid has a right to sports,” Reeve said.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association also issued a statement on Friday. “The WNBPA represents 200+ individual people with different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles and opinions. 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,” that statement read.
That same day, former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White each announced intentions to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, stating that they identify as women. “After careful consideration and reviewing the current eligibility guidelines, I’m officially declaring myself a WNBA prospect. If simply declaring who you are is all that’s required, then I meet every single requirement necessary to compete in the WNBA,” Kante Freedom, who played multiple seasons as an NBA center, posted on social media.
“My team and I have carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion. Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027.”
