WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert sends trans inclusion memo after Enes Freedom, Royce White announcements
"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 in the memo, per The Associated Press."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."THE WNBA HAS LIMITED OPTIONS AFTER TWO MEN DECLARED FOR THE DRAFT, AND THOSE OPTIONS AREN'T GREATWNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026, in New York City.(Getty Images)Engelbert went on to call the debate "nuanced.""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," Engelbert said in the memo.
"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."Engelbert's memo came on the same day that two former NBA pros, Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White, said they plan to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft.
The announcements became the top trending topic across social media, as sports fans across the world mocked the WNBA for its policy that doesn't clearly define who is allowed to play in the league based on genetic sex.The WNBA players’ association also released a statement on social media Friday that emphasized diversity and inclusion while saying the group "will not be used as political pawns."WNBPA ISSUES STATEMENT EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AMID TRANS ATHLETE DEBATE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS"We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion," the statement read."Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to prot...