WNBA condemns online ‘bad-faith efforts’ to toxify league amid divisive conversations

The WNBA condemned “bad faith efforts” to “demean or marginalize others” in connection with ongoing discussions about the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports after a meeting of team presidents and general managers task forces on Wednesday.

A decision regarding transgender athletes competing in the WNBA is not expected soon, according to a source familiar with the discussions at Wednesday’s meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The topic of transgender athletes has been at the center of WNBA discourse since Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham weighed about the conversation in an ESPN article last month, sparking a domino effect of reactions in and around the league.

In a statement from a league spokesperson, the WNBA said it will “approach these important conversations thoughtfully and in accordance with our league’s values.

“There are no current eligibility issues affecting the WNBA, and we strongly condemn bad faith efforts to use these topics to demean or marginalize others.”

The league will need time to connect with stakeholders, including players, team officials and Players Association leadership. The source said the WNBA is not rushing its processes through efforts to mock the league or create controversy.

The meeting had already been scheduled to discuss relevant issues facing the league — among them, online hate and anger directed at players and other WNBA personnel. Fever coach Stephanie White spoke to some of her “fear-strikes.” fiery address before the game Tuesday.

According to a source familiar with Wednesday’s meeting, the WNBA remains committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of players and addressing online harassment whenever possible. The league has provided players before access to security platforms for online protection.