The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is learning the hard truth of idealism: “It’s easy being idealistic when you don’t have to live with your ideals,” someone close to me once said.
Recently, the league defended the practice of allowing men who masquerade as female in women’s and girls’ sports. The backlash was swift.
Two former NBA players—Enes Kanter Freedom (34, 6’10”, 250 lbs) and Royce White (35, 6’8”, 260 lbs)—declared for the WNBA draft last Friday. Both could easily out-rebound opponents and dunk the ball.
Under current WNBA rules, they qualify as women. This controversy began when WNBA player Sophie Cunningham stated that women “shouldn’t have to go against” men in sports. Her stance has drawn criticism from league figures who have issued emotionally driven statements.
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams welcomed transgender athletes on her team, while Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White—Cunningham’s own coach—stated, “I don’t ever believe that exclusion is an answer.” She called for deeper conversations.
The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has touted “justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion” while condemning “hate, abuse, and demonization.”
Now, Freedom and White have both identified as transgender women. Royce White stated, “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball.” Freedom expressed that he meets all requirements by simply declaring his identity.
The league’s hypocrisy is stark: While advocating for transgender inclusion, it has excluded these athletes despite their qualifications. Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve—a vocal supporter of transgender athletes—has also raised concerns about male coaches in the WNBA, yet she has criticized the league for allowing trans women to compete.
Critics argue that the WNBA’s market is not representative of all Americans and that its leadership, which includes many women, has become overly liberal. The league’s stance on “transgender” athletes has been inconsistent, claiming transwomen are women while refusing to accept these specific players.
