WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is speaking out on the Sophie Cunningham saga.
Cunningham, who is in her second year with the Indiana Fever, told ESPN that she is 100 percent against transgender athletes in women's sports. She told ESPN that she wants to “protect young girls in the locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”
The Fever guard then doubled down while speaking to reporters.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense,” Cunningham said to reporters. “And I think I’ll always believe in that. I think it’s really important to protect children, and that’s little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.”
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Cunningham again posted her thoughts on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind,” Cunningham wrote in a post on X. “Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. You’ll be hearing from me soon yay for gifts. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner.”
Engelbert weighs in on the controversy
Engelbert finally weighed in with an internal memo to the WNBA.
“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,” Engelbert wrote in the memo, which was issued Friday afternoon and obtained by ESPN. “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.”
Cunningham understands it's a "complex" issue.
“We recognize that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and we will continue to have important conversations with all of you and the Players Association in the weeks and months ahead,” Engelbert said in the memo. “We also plan to convene additional discussions and offer listening sessions for any team leaders who would like to participate. Your perspectives and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate those who have already reached out to share their thoughts.”
The WNBA is set to give more publicly soon.
