WNBA总裁凯西·恩格尔伯特向球队发送备忘录，宣布联盟将继续讨论跨性别运动员的参赛资格问题。[1]恩格尔伯特在备忘录中表示，"我们将以深思熟虑、尊重的方式处理这一话题，并与我们联盟的长期价值观保持一致"。[1]联盟将通过球队主席和总经理特别工作组进一步讨论此议题，强调将在尊重、公平和保护女子体育完整性的基础上推进相关对话。[1]
这一宣布是在印第安纳步行者队球员Sophie Cunningham公开支持禁止跨性别女性参加女子体育比赛后作出的，其言论在西雅图和波特兰引发了小型集会和抗议。[1]两名前NBA球员Enes Kanter Freedom和Royce White随后在周五宣布自己符合WNBA选秀资格，声称他们认同为女性。[1]WNBA集体劳动协议规定"只有女性运动员才有资格在WNBA联赛中比赛"，但未包含关于性别认同或出生时性别的具体语言。[1]
WNBA球员工会在社交媒体上发表声明，强调多样性和包容性，表示"我们不会被当作政治工具使用"。[1]支持跨性别运动员的球员和教练包括西雅图风暴中锋Stefanie Dolson和明尼苏达山猫教练Cheryl Reeve。[1]
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has notified team leadership that the league will pursue ongoing discussions regarding transgender athlete participation in women's professional basketball.[1] In a memo to teams, Engelbert stated that the organization would "handle this topic in a thoughtful and respectful manner consistent with our league's long-standing values."[1]
The announcement follows recent controversy sparked by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham's public support for prohibiting transgender women from competing in women's sports, which prompted protests and rallies in Seattle and Portland.[1] Two former NBA players, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, announced on Friday that they meet WNBA draft eligibility requirements, claiming they identify as female.[1] The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement specifies that "only female athletes are eligible to compete in WNBA games," though it contains no explicit language regarding gender identity or sex assigned at birth.[1]
In response, the WNBA Players Union issued a statement on social media emphasizing diversity and inclusion, declaring that members "will not be used as political tools."[1] Several players and coaches have voiced support for transgender participation, including Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.[1] The league plans to advance the discussion through a special working group comprised of team presidents and general managers, with a stated commitment to balancing respect, fairness, and the protection of women's sports integrity.[1]