Engelbert calls out 'haters' using WNBA to 'sow divisiveness'
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned efforts to create division amid the league's ongoing debate over transgender athletes, emphasizing that some are using the issue to "sow divisiveness."
- Engelbert made these remarks before a game in Dallas, responding to protests sparked by Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham's support for barring transgender girls and women from female sports.
- The WNBA previously criticized attempts to politicize transgender athlete eligibility, with Engelbert highlighting that the league is becoming a "political football" for outsiders unfamiliar with the sport.
- The league's collective bargaining agreement states eligibility is limited to women but lacks detailed language on gender identity, coinciding with recent declarations by two former NBA players identifying as women and seeking WNBA draft eligibility.
- Engelbert acknowledged the presence of detractors but reaffirmed the league's commitment to addressing the topic internally while denouncing hate and divisiveness.
