The WNBA is embroiled in a growing row over transgender eligibility rules after Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham said young girls "shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sport, remarks that drew backing from President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance and sparked rallies from both critics and supporters. The dispute has since escalated beyond commentary, with former NBA players including Enes Kanter Freedom declaring they intend to enter next year's WNBA Draft, exploiting what they say are unclear eligibility guidelines for transgender women, even though no openly transgender woman has ever played in the league.

The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement states simply that "only players who are women are eligible to play," a clause campaigners argue lacks detail. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not commented publicly but reportedly told teams in a memo the issue would be raised at an upcoming meeting with team presidents, stressing the league would handle the topic "thoughtfully, respectfully" while protecting "the integrity of our game and fair competition." Cunningham, now in her eighth WNBA season, has said she is "not a very political person" despite her comments fuelling a wider US political debate.