Two former teammates of French transgender basketball player Julie Tetart have raised concerns about her competitive advantage in women's basketball, citing her "huge" physical strength as surpassing that of WNBA star Brittney Griner.
During an interview on the French podcast "Club Five," Sara Crudo and Martina Bestagno, who played with Tetart during the 2025-26 season, shared their experiences. Tetart, a player for Monaco, averaged 20 points and 20 rebounds per game last season in the French second division. She has expressed openness to playing in the WNBA if approached.
Bestagno, who has competed against Griner in EuroLeague, described Tetart's power as distinct from other players. "It's not just the size, it's the combination of size and strength that it's something that I never went against it before. I was blown away by the difference talking about strength. The difference is huge," Bestagno stated. Tetart is listed at 6'3" and 200 pounds.
Despite Tetart's impressive statistics and physical attributes, Bestagno suggested that pure athleticism does not guarantee success in basketball. "Basketball is not athletics. It's not because you're the strongest automatically you are the best player," she said. The podcast did not follow up on whether Tetart could compete in the WNBA.
Crudo expressed that allowing Tetart to play in the league is unfair. "Is it unfair to let [Tetart] play? Yeah, absolutely yes. This is too much, and I'm sorry to say this, but I don't understand why no one says it," Crudo said. She added that athletes who have dedicated their lives to reaching a professional level might be displaced by players like Tetart, who she noted went through puberty before transitioning.
Tetart is expected to return to her team in Monaco for the upcoming season in September. The WNBA has previously stated its commitment to inclusivity and welcoming transgender athletes. The discussions surrounding Tetart's potential impact come amid broader debates about the inclusion of transgender athletes in professional sports. Charles Barkley, a former NBA player, has also publicly stated that the WNBA is "for women only."