The WNBA has garnered heavy attention in past seasons, for better or worse. Debates have festered around the idea of having transgender athletes take part in the league, drawing a stance from New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart.
Throughout all of WNBA history, no transgender player has taken part in any game in the league. This hasn’t stopped discussions about their potential presence as some debate whether they should be able to play in a WNBA game.
The league’s collective bargaining agreement says the WNBA is restricted to women. However, it contains no more specific language about gender identity or sex assigned at birth.
Indiana Fever standout Sophie Cunningham showed herself to be on the negative side of the spectrum, opposing the idea of transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports. On the other hand, Stewart wants more people to have open minds with respect to an issue that can have serious ramifications across the country.
“Knowing that rallies are happening on both sides shows the platform that the W has and the stunts for attention are just continuing to try and ride the wave that we have,” Stewart told a small group of reporters Saturday morning, via ESPN. “I want Liberty fans and even Indy fans that are going to come here tonight to be able to have this arena be a safe space.”
“If we don’t allow [free speech], we need to like really kind of go back and look at more things. I think the bigger thing is people are trying to divide us as teams, but also as teammates or as opponents,” she said. “This league is incredibly inclusive and what we continue to fight for and stand up against. So, we don’t want to take that platform away.”
What Lies Ahead for Breanna Stewart and LibertyAug 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty guard Marine Fauthoux (4), center Jonquel Jones (35), forward Breanna Stewart (30), guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) and guard Rebecca Allen (9) against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Breanna Stewart hopes for the debate about transgender athletes to improve and have less tensions. As long as she sees progress in the league figuring out how to tackle the topic in a beneficial way, her stance would carry more weight as a legitimate viewpoint.
New York has a 22-15 record on the season, sitting at third place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Washington Mystics and the Chicago Sky while trailing the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever.
The Liberty looks forward to a huge clash at home in a marquee matchup. They take on the Fever as tip-off takes place on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. ET.
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