WNBA to hold crunch talks over transgender athletes as Sophie Cunningham row intensifies

WNBA to hold crunch talks over transgender athletes as Sophie Cunningham row intensifies

The WNBA is set to hold crunch talks over transgender athletes competing in women's basketball as the league faces growing pressure to clarify its eligibility rules. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has informed teams that the issue will be discussed by a task force of presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting this week. The move comes amid an escalating debate over transgender participation in women's sport, with Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham recently expressing support for excluding transgender women and girls from female categories. Cunningham's comments have subsequently prompted protests and counter-demonstrations around Fever games. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Engelbert has now addressed the situation in a memo sent to WNBA teams on Friday and obtained by The Associated Press and ESPN. "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," she wrote. "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 not publicly announced any changes to its eligibility regulations. Its existing collective bargaining agreement states that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA", but contains no more specific wording concerning gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Engelbert stressed that player eligibility regulations are collectively bargained, meaning the issue also involves the Women's National Basketball Players Association. She also identified competitive integrity as one of the league's central considerations. LATEST SPORTS NEWS: Gianni Infantino accused of 'profound failure of judgment' as three confederations rally against FIFA chief Rory McIlroy facing huge challenge as break with Erica S