WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Speaks Out Against ‘Haters’

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made a public appearance alongside Dallas Wings CEO Greg Bibb ahead of the team’s 91-85 win over the Indiana Fever. During the event, Engelbert addressed the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in the league.

In recent weeks, the WNBA has become a focal point for discussions surrounding transgender participation in sports. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked controversy with a series of comments, stating her desire to ‘protect young girls in a locker room’ from competing against biological men.

Cunningham doubled down on her comments, emphasizing the importance of protecting children and ‘little girls’ involved in sports. She clarified that she doesn’t ‘dislike anyone’ and that there’s ‘room to love everyone.’

The WNBA has not had a public policy on transgender participation, with the collective bargaining agreement stating that ‘only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.’ However, the league has recently established a task force to discuss the issue and issued a statement denouncing bad-faith efforts to use the topic to demean or marginalize others.

Incidents involving fans have also arisen in the wake of Cunningham’s comments. A series of rallies in support of Cunningham took place outside arenas in Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, and Dallas. Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was suspended for five home games and fined an undisclosed amount after directing expletives at teenage fans wearing shirts supporting Cunningham during a Fever-Storm game.

WNBA security also intervened in a game between the Fever and the Atlanta Dream, asking multiple fans to cover shirts with messaging related to transgender athletes. The league later released a statement apologizing for the incident, stating that it should not have happened.

In a statement addressing the situation, Engelbert emphasized that the WNBA is being used as a ‘political football’ by individuals who have never watched or reported on the league. She denounced the ‘haters’ who are trying to sow divisiveness and stated that the league will approach the issue thoughtfully and in alignment with its values.

The WNBA has not had a transgender player, and the league’s collective bargaining agreement does not address transgender participation directly. However, the issue has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that biological men should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Others have emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of transgender athletes and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to compete.

In the wake of Cunningham’s comments, the WNBA has faced intense scrutiny and criticism. Engelbert’s statement serves as a reminder that the league is committed to approaching the issue with sensitivity and respect for all individuals involved.

The WNBA’s stance on transgender participation remains unclear, with the league’s collective bargaining agreement providing little guidance on the issue. However, the league’s efforts to address the controversy and promote inclusivity are a step in the right direction.

As the debate surrounding transgender athletes continues to unfold, the WNBA remains at the forefront of the discussion. The league’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals involved will be crucial in navigating the complex issues surrounding transgender participation in sports.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s Full Statement

‘People are trying to use the league to sow divisiveness. We’re being the center of political football for people who have never watched the WNBA, never have written about the WNBA or reported on the WNBA.’

‘There’s always going to be haters out there, and we denounce it. But that’s what happens when you have made it as a legitimate sports media and entertainment product.’