WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women's basketball.<\/p>\n
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women's basketball.<\/p>\n
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women\u2019s basketball.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know many of you have received questions in recent weeks regarding transgender athlete participation in women\u2019s basketball, and I expect this topic will continue to receive significant attention,\u201d Engelbert wrote in the memo, which was sent Friday and obtained by The Associated Press. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The memo said the topic will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting next week.<\/p>\n
In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls\u2019 and women\u2019s sports. Cunningham\u2019s comments sparked small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week.<\/p>\n
There was a lone protester at the Fever\u2019s home game against Las Vegas on Thursday night. Indiana visits Chicago on Saturday. Members of two conservative groups are planning a rally in support of Cunningham ahead of that game.<\/p>\n
The league hasn\u2019t made any public comments on the issue.<\/p>\n
Engelbert wrote that the league will \u201calways approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the longstanding values of our league. Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league\u2019s highest priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n