Caitlyn Jenner proposed what she described as a “simple” solution to the WNBA’s debate on transgender athlete eligibility. She also supported former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White in their efforts to join the WNBA.
Jenner provided a solution and backed Freedom and White
Jenner made these remarks on Fox News @ Night with Trace Gallagher. The 76-year-old, who transitioned in 2015, said Freedom and White were highlighting what she views as hypocrisy within the league.
“They’re showing the hypocrisy of what’s going on out there in the WNBA. The WNBA had their meetings on this issue and [Cathy Engelbert], the head, says, ‘We talked about the trans issue but we just haven’t come up with a conclusion at this point. We will continue the conversation.’ Cathy, XX, you’re in. XY you’re out. It’s that simple,” Jenner said (per OutKick/Fox News).
Debate over women’s sports
Jenner also voiced support for protecting women’s sports, noting, “And both [Freedom and White] I think are doing a good job just to show the WNBA the hypocrisy that’s going on here. We have to protect women’s sports … I want to protect women’s sports. Title IX was one of the greatest legislations for women’s equality – that happened to be in sports.”
The issue drew attention after Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham told ESPN she wanted to “protect young girls” from “biological men.” Her comments led to anti-trans athlete rallies at arenas where she played.
Freedom and White announced WNBA bids
Last week, Freedom posted a video of himself signing a document requesting that the WNBA accept his “decision to enter the player pool for the 2027 WNBA Draft.” He followed that announcement with a workout video and wrote, “Let ‘The Transition’ to the @WNBA begin. Rules Are Rules! #LetFreedomPlay.”
White, a Republican candidate for US Senate who played three NBA games without scoring, also announced his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft. “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well,” he told Fox News.
What the WNBA rules say
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement addresses eligibility in Article XIII, Section 1(a), stating, “Only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.” However, the 409-page agreement does not define “woman” or “women.” It also doesn’t mention “transgender” or “gender identity,” despite providing detailed definitions for numerous other terms.
In a recent statement, a WNBA representative said a meeting was held on a “wide range of topics, including ongoing discussions on transgender athletes and the continued hate and vitriol directed at players online.” WNBA said it “strongly” condemns “bad-faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”