sports
WNBA commissioner says league will continue discussing issue of transgender eligibility
Commissioner sends memo to teams on eligibility rules
TL;DR
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sent a memo to teams addressing discussions on transgender athlete participation.
- The memo states the league will approach the topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with its values, prioritizing fair competition.
- Player eligibility rules are collectively bargained and the current agreement only states that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA."
- The topic will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers.
- WNBA player Sophie Cunningham's comments supporting the barring of transgender athletes have led to protests.
- The WNBA Players Association released a statement emphasizing diversity and inclusion and stating they "will not be used as political pawns."
- Some WNBA players and coaches, like Stefanie Dolson and Cheryl Reeve, have expressed support for transgender athletes.