Tag: transgender

Enes Freedom Says WNBA Players’ Support for Trans Athletes Inspired His Draft Declaration

Brandon King

Former NBA center Enes Freedom says his decision to declare for the WNBA was inspired by comments he heard from league personnel supporting transgender athlete participation in women’s sports. Speaking about the backlash he has received since announcing his intentions, Freedom explained that a postgame interview sparked his decision. “I’m on my couch, watching the WNBA and the post-game interviews. One of the players came out and said, ‘I welcome trans athletes on my team any day and every day.’ And even said, ‘There’s no problem with me going against…

Read More

WNBA Task Force Discusses Transgender Athlete Eligibility, Reaches No Decision

Brandon King

The WNBA’s task force of team presidents and general managers met Wednesday to discuss transgender athlete participation but did not adopt any new eligibility rules, leaving the league’s current policy unchanged. Following the meeting, the league released a statement emphasizing that the discussions extended beyond eligibility and also addressed the growing level of online abuse directed at WNBA players. “Today’s meeting covered a wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players online. We will continue to engage all league…

Read More

Project B and the WNBA Take Different Approaches to Gender Eligibility

Brandon King

Project B co-founder Alana Beard has publicly criticized WNBA leadership over its handling of gender eligibility while confirming the startup league will adopt a different policy for its women’s competition. Speaking about the issue, Beard said Project B will follow the eligibility framework established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Under those guidelines, transgender women would not be eligible to compete in Project B’s women’s league. The announcement establishes a clear policy distinction between Project B and the WNBA at a time when eligibility…

Read More

Cathy Engelbert: WNBA Task Force to Discuss Transgender Athlete Policy

Brandon King

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said a task force made up of team presidents and general managers will meet next week to discuss the league’s approach to transgender athlete participation in women’s basketball. The announcement comes amid renewed public attention surrounding the issue after former NBA players Enes Freedom and Royce White each publicly stated they identify as women and believe they are eligible to enter the WNBA Draft. Neither player has been drafted or signed by a WNBA team, and there has been no indication from the league that either…

Read More

Former NBA First-Round Pick Royce White Says He Will Declare for 2027 WNBA Draft

Brandon King

Former NBA first-round pick Royce White says he plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft, stating that he now identifies as transgender for the purpose of pursuing a professional basketball career in the league. White, who was selected 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft, made the announcement in comments to Fox News Digital. The 6-foot-8 former NBA forward said he believes he would be “unstoppable” in the WNBA and indicated he could consider legal action if he is not permitted to participate. According to…

Read More

Former NBA Player Enes Kanter Freedom Declares Himself a ‘WNBA Prospect’ in Viral Social Media Post

Brandon King

Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom is once again at the center of a social media firestorm after announcing that he is “officially declaring” himself a WNBA prospect. Freedom shared the statement on X, writing: “After careful consideration… I’m officially declaring myself a @WNBA prospect. If simply declaring it is enough, then I guess I’ll see you all at training camp.” The post quickly gained traction online, generating thousands of reactions and reigniting debate over transgender athlete participation in women’s sports. While Freedom did not directly reference a specific player…

Read More

Gabby Williams Says She Would Welcome a Trans Athlete in the WNBA

Brandon King

Gabby Williams has weighed in on one of the most debated issues in sports, saying she would support transgender women competing in the WNBA. The veteran WNBA forward said: “I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team.” Williams’ comments come as conversations surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports continue across professional leagues, governing bodies, and legislatures. The issue has become a major point of discussion in recent months, with athletes from multiple sports expressing differing viewpoints. Some have argued that transgender women should be eligible…

Read More

Julie Tétart Says She’d Welcome WNBA Opportunity Amid Ongoing Debate Over Transgender Athlete Participation

Brandon King

Julie Tétart has made it clear that a move to the WNBA is something she would embrace if the opportunity ever presents itself. When asked whether she would consider playing in the WNBA, the French basketball standout responded simply: “If they contact me, I won’t say no.” While the comment was brief, it arrives at a time when transgender athlete participation has become one of the most discussed topics in women’s basketball. A Dominant Season in France Tétart is coming off an eye-catching campaign with Monaco Basket Association in France’s…

Read More

Supreme Court Upholds State Laws Restricting Transgender Athletes in Girls’ and Women’s Sports

Brandon King

The U.S. Supreme Court issued one of the most consequential sports rulings in recent history on Tuesday, upholding state laws in Idaho and West Virginia that restrict participation in girls’ and women’s school sports based on biological sex. The decision is expected to influence high school and collegiate athletics across the country, affirming similar laws already enacted in more than two dozen states while shaping the ongoing national conversation surrounding competitive fairness, inclusion, and the role of athletic governing bodies. Although the case centered on two state laws, its impact…

Read More