WNBA commissioner says league will continue discussing issue of transgender participation

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks to media at a news conference before a WNBA All-Star basketball game between Team Coop and Team Spoon in Chicago, Saturday, July 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stands on the court during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Sunday, Aug. In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports. Cunningham’s comments sparked small rallies and protests in Seattle and Portland when the Fever were on the road last week. There was a lone protester at the Fever’s home game against Las Vegas on Thursday night.

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Scoop News DeskChicago, Illinois · Published Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 4:37 PM UTCUpdated Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11:32 AM UTC

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Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.” The WNBA players’ association released a statement on social media Friday that emphasized diversity and inclusion while saying the group “will not be used as political pawns.” “We embrace justice equity, diversity, and inclusion,” the statement read. “Those are the values that unite this Union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change.

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